‘Rick’ the seal has Bayside locals edging for a closer look

This seal hasn’t been deterred by Melbourne’s cold conditions. Nicknamed Rick, he has been seen sunbaking at Beaumaris and Black Rock beaches in recent weeks, and people have been flocking to get a glimpse of him.

The seal drew a crowd at Beaumaris. Picture: Shanyn Payne Killeen

A friendly seal has decided to call Bayside home, with people flocking to the beach to get a glimpse of the furry mammal affectionately nicknamed Rick.

The male fur seal was last spotted at Beaumaris Beach near the Central Ave stairs on Sunday, and Black Rock Life Saving Club the weekend before.

He’s also known to frequent Ricketts Point, earning him his cute moniker.

Shanyn Payne Killeen said ‘Rick’ made people realise how lucky they were to live in Bayside.

“He was very happy just sunning himself while about 20 locals took his picture,” she said.

Seals have become a common occurrence in the bay suburbs, with Brighton Beach, near the Elwood boat ramp, sealed off in August after a furry visitor decided to have a snooze on the sand.

Meanwhile in Melbourne....beautiful sub-adult male seal on Beaumaris beach. pic.twitter.com/2C5aUQF03p

— Lucie Morris-Marr (@luciemorrismarr) June 16, 2019

The male fur seal is making regular appearances around Bayside, with residents waiting to see where he pops up next. Picture: Shanyn Payne Killeen

Even the local doggies wanted a piece of the action on Sunday. Picture: Shanyn Payne Killeen

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‘Merlin’ the sun baking sea lion from Antarctica, was found resting on a Brighton boat ramp.

Victoria Police reminded people that it was an offence to go within 30m of a seal on land or to let a dog under your control go within 50m.

“It’s quite common to see seals near boatramps or on the beach but it’s best if everyone stays back and sticks to the law,” spokesman Ewan Cook said.

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