A leopard seal’s visit to the Abel Tasman National Park on New Zealand’s South Island this summer is prompting warnings to give the animal space.
The warning follows reports of the predator’s encounters with kayakers.
Last month, the NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a leopard seal has been regularly seen in the Abel Tasman-Kaiteretere area for several weeks.
The park covers the Nelson area and north-west tip of the South Island.
DOC Senior Marine technical advisor Jody Weir says the animal is an unusual visitor; they are normally found further south but that it is not unheard of for some to ‘visit’ New Zealand.
“Seeing a leopard seal in the area is a rare and special event. We don’t know why the leopard seal settled into the area for so long. It seems happy and healthy and will move on in its own time,” she says.
Weir also says it is crucial that people give the predator plenty of space for the safety of the animal – and themselves.
“This means staying at least 20 metres away on land and water and removing fishing lines from the water when the seal is in the area,” she says.
“Do not feed, touch or disturb the leopard seal; it’s a protected species and it’s illegal to harass.”
“Although leopard seals aren’t typically aggressive towards people, this is a large predator and it could react if its feeling threatened, which could result in serious injuries.” DOC Senior Marine technical advisor Jody Weir
Jody says signs of stress in the seal include raising its head or opening its mouth while resting on land, or moving suddenly.
“If you see this behaviour, you’ve gotten too close. It’s time to back away slowly to give the seal the space it needs.”
Weir says the department received reports of the seal bumping into the boats of a group of kayakers on its swims.
“If the animal approaches you while you’re out naturing on the water, stay calm and don’t make any loud noises or sudden movements and it should lose interest,” she says.
“Importantly, never try to touch or feed a leopard seal or other marine mammals.
“Although leopard seals aren’t typically aggressive towards people, this is a large predator and it could react if its feeling threatened, which could result in serious injuries.
“They’re also opportunistic hunters and there are a few records of leopard seals attacking people – though this is extremely rare,” Weir says.
Jody says leopard seals are incredible animals and anyone who encounters one is privileged to see it.
“Everyone has a part to play to make sure this rare visitor remains safe and undisturbed.”
The animals are protected under New Zealand’s Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.
IF YOU MEET A LEOPARD SEAL
• Keep your distance: Stay at least 20 m away on land or in kayaks. Never swim close or block its path to the sea.
• Remove fishing lines from the water to prevent harm to the animal.
• Do not feed, touch, or disturb: It’s illegal to harass seals and can result in serious penalties.
• Watch for signs of stress: If the seal raises its head, opens its mouth, or moves suddenly, you are too close – back away calmly.
• Leopard seals are easily identified by their long slim body and comparatively large fore-flippers. The leopard seal’s disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance.
• Females can grow up to 3.6 m long and weigh up to 500 kg.
• They prey on a variety of species including krill, penguins, birds, fish, seals and cephalopods.
• It’s likely leopard seals are opportunistic and will eat whatever is readily available. Source: NZ Department of Conservation.
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