Seal safety: what you need to know about our coastal visitors
If you’ve seen our latest insurance campaign, you may have been reminded of a certain celebrity seal who’s been spotted around Tasmania in recent years.
While ours was brought to life through CGI, real seals are wild animals that require our awareness and protection.
Southern elephant seals are massive creatures, with adult males growing up to five metres long and weighing up to 3500 kilograms. With that size comes the potential for significant damage to property; vehicles, fences and outdoor furniture can be at risk when a large seal comes ashore.
To help prevent accidents and protect both the seals and your property, it’s essential to follow a few simple rules. First, always stay at a safe distance. Seals are unpredictable animals, and getting too close could not only put you in danger but could also encourage the seal to enter areas where it could cause damage.
If you see a seal near your home or vehicle, don’t attempt to move or shoo it away. Instead, call the Marine Mammal Hotline on 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES). The experts at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s (NRE Tas) Marine Conservation Program are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters and can help ensure the seal is relocated if necessary.
It’s also important not to share the seal’s location publicly, as crowds can stress the animal and increase the risk of injury or damage to property.
