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Seal was spotted resting on Nobbys Breakwater after locals raised concerns about its injuries. Photo: Greg Cooke.<\/p>\nA young seal spotted resting at several locations along Newcastle\u2019s coastline is continuing to recover from injuries, with authorities urging the public to give it space.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Greg Cooke shared images of the seal in the Newcastle & Hunter Community Facebook group on 23 July, saying it appeared to have a \u201csignificant injury\u201d and that National Parks officers had been looking at the animal.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Neal Hohnke described it as \u201ca bit sad\u201d to see the young seal injured but resting on the rocks.<\/p>\n
\u201cA young, injured seal came up onto the rock shelf beside the Canoe Pool to rest,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has an injury to one of its front flippers and a substantial wound on its back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seal was spotted resting on Nobbys Breakwater after locals raised concerns about its injuries. Photo: Greg Cooke.<\/p>\n
Signs were placed near the area to remind visitors to stay away and allow the seal to recover.<\/p>\n
City of Newcastle responded to community concerns, directing enquiries to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which has been monitoring the animal.<\/p>\n
An NPWS spokesperson said the juvenile seal, which is around one metre long, had been assessed by officers and marine wildlife veterinarians.<\/p>\n
The seal was found to have a cookie cutter shark bite on its back and a wound on its rear flipper.<\/p>\n
However, the injuries appear to be healing and no intervention is currently needed.<\/p>\n
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Warning signs were placed near the seal to remind visitors to keep their distance. Image: Olivia Arigho.<\/p>\n
\u201cCookie cutter shark bites are not uncommon in seals, and they typically recover well from these injuries,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
NPWS said the seal\u2019s mobility has been improving, with the animal seen climbing between rocks and grooming.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Anyone concerned about a seal\u2019s welfare can contact NPWS on 1300 072 757 or ORRCA on (02) 9415 3333.<\/p>\n
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