Northern beaches: Authorities probe alleged attack on seal amid calls for protection

There are desperate calls to protect beloved seal Reg, following reports the precious marine mammal, which has been frequenting the northern beaches, was attacked over the weekend.

DECEMBER 16, 2020: Australian fur seal Reg pictured sleeping at Dee Why Beach. Picture: Damian Shaw

Authorities are investigating serious allegations of an attack on the seal which frequents Sydney’s northern beaches amid desperate calls to protect the beloved marine mammal.

It coincides with reports of alleged anti-social behaviour and rampant illegal drinking across the northern beaches over the weekend.

A couple revealed they had stopped a group of teenagers who were allegedly harassing Reg the seal at Dee Why Beach on Saturday night.

Reg the Australian fur seal is becoming an attraction on Sydney’s northern beaches. Picture: Damian Shaw

Dani Adams posted about the horrifying incident on a Facebook group.

“Is there any Parks and Wildlife groups watching our Reg? My partner and I were at Dee Why Beach and four teenagers ran up to the seal, drunk and were going to kick it,” Ms Adams wrote on a Facebook group.

“My partner and I stepped in and had a verbal altercation, the kids ran off, in the process damaging property.

Reg the seal has become a northern beaches resident. Picture: ORRCA

“We called the police station but 30 minutes, no show. I’m disturbed as we were threatened with physical violence. Can anyone please advise who is monitoring Reg?”

Ms Adams told the Facebook group she made two calls to Dee Why police.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said they were aware of the incident and that residents should refer animal related inquiries to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“About 11.15pm (Saturday 16 January 2021), police were called to Dee Why Parade, Dee Why, following reports a group of youths were drinking and discussing patting a seal,” the NSW police spokeswoman said.

ORRCA has advised people to keep a safe distance away from seals. Picture: ORRCA

“Due to workload in the area, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended just after midnight; however, the youths and seal had left the area.

“Inquiries are continuing and anyone with information is urged to come forward.”

A NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman said it was investigating an provided advice to residents.

Residents have expressed their outrage about the alleged attack on the seal. Picture: ORRCA

“NPWS warns people to stay at least 40m away from seals on land. Seals can defend themselves if they feel threatened and are extremely fast on land.

“All Australian marine mammals including seals are protected. People are encouraged to report sick, injured or distressed seals to NPWS.”

Northern Beaches councillor Vincent De Luca said he wrote to the Police Minister and requested a boost in police resources after receiving “pleas for help” from residents.

“I’m appalled with the behaviour of these sick people who sought to attack a defenceless seal, they should be dealt with under the criminal justice system,” Cr De Luca said.

Cr De Luca said council staff were working in the background and he’d received confirmation NSW surf life savers and ORRCA were working together to ensure protection zones and crowd control were in place for Reg’s protection.

Jools Farrell, vice president of Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia said they were “taking the matter very seriously”.

Northern beaches councillor Vincent De Luca said residents called over concerns for the seal’s protection on Sunday. Picture: Adam Yip

“Reg the seal is being monitored, every time he comes out in the afternoon,” Ms Farrell said.

“Reg is a wild animal and is an Australian fur seal. He is approximately 200kg in weight and has a good set of teeth on him.

“When those teenagers got close, they were lucky they weren’t bitten. The couple that witnessed it said Reg did sit upright where he popped his chest out and growled very loudly and they often do that before they bite.”

She said it was a matter of human safety.

ORRCA volunteer and vice president Jools Farrell at North Bilgola. Picture: Troy Snook

“We feel as though he’s made the northern beaches his home because he seems to be going from Manly to Long Reef and back because of the good food supply.

“We don’t mind people admiring him but it should be done at a safe distance. If anyone sees any incidents at night, you can report it to our 24 hours phone line and we’ll report it directly to the police.”

ORRCA can be reached on [phone].