A young seal spotted resting at several locations along Newcastle’s coastline is continuing to recover from injuries, with authorities urging the public to give it space.
The seal was first spotted by locals at Nobbys Breakwater in late July, with community members raising concerns after noticing injuries on its back and flipper.
Greg Cooke shared images of the seal in the Newcastle & Hunter Community Facebook group on 23 July, saying it appeared to have a “significant injury” and that National Parks officers had been looking at the animal.
Days later on 27 July, members of the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Facebook group also reported seeing the seal resting near the Canoe Pool.
Neal Hohnke described it as “a bit sad” to see the young seal injured but resting on the rocks.
“A young, injured seal came up onto the rock shelf beside the Canoe Pool to rest,” he wrote.
“It has an injury to one of its front flippers and a substantial wound on its back.”
Seal was spotted resting on Nobbys Breakwater after locals raised concerns about its injuries. Photo: Greg Cooke.
Signs were placed near the area to remind visitors to stay away and allow the seal to recover.
City of Newcastle responded to community concerns, directing enquiries to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which has been monitoring the animal.
An NPWS spokesperson said the juvenile seal, which is around one metre long, had been assessed by officers and marine wildlife veterinarians.
The seal was found to have a cookie cutter shark bite on its back and a wound on its rear flipper.
However, the injuries appear to be healing and no intervention is currently needed.
Warning signs were placed near the seal to remind visitors to keep their distance. Image: Olivia Arigho.
“Cookie cutter shark bites are not uncommon in seals, and they typically recover well from these injuries,” the spokesperson said.
The seal has continued moving between locations including Merewether Beach, Nobbys Breakwall, the Bogey Hole and a rock platform between Newcastle Beach and Newcastle Ocean Baths.
NPWS said the seal’s mobility has been improving, with the animal seen climbing between rocks and grooming.
The public is reminded to stay at least 40 metres away from seals on land, avoid touching or feeding them, and never stand between a seal and the water.
Anyone concerned about a seal’s welfare can contact NPWS on 1300 072 757 or ORRCA on (02) 9415 3333.
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