Arcto the Australian fur seal visits Dromana beach
WHOA, big fella! Authorities are warning beachgoers to stay well clear of a large seal visiting a popular peninsula swimming spot.
South East
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HERE’S one summer tourist who got to Dromana without battling the traffic.
Authorities are warning beach goers to stay well clear of a large sunbathing seal visiting Dromana’s foreshore.
The Australian fur seal, nicknamed Arcto, has been a recent visitor to the popular beach, reserving itself a spot near the pier.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) authorised officer Abby Smith warned people not to get too close.
“This is Arcto’s third straight summer at Dromana and we want to make sure people stay at least 30m from him if he does come back this weekend or any other time,” she said.
“He will react to anyone getting with in close range of him, he’ll do a posturing yawing, he will bark as well.”
Ms Smith said most people had kept their distance from Arcto, who takes his name from the scientific label — arctocephalus pusillus doriferus.
“People are being sensible and giving him a wide berth,” she said.
It’s an offence to be within 30 metres of the seal or to feed, offer food or touch a seal without authorisation.
“We must remember that this is a wild animal and they can bite and they carry a very nasty bacteria on their teeth,” she said.
The seal first appeared on the beach three years ago and appeared to have wounds.
Since then it had become a summer visitor, Ms Smith said.
“Mostly seals will haul themselves out on rocky platform or at Chinaman’s Hat but, for whatever reason, he’s chosen this area because he’s comfortable,” she said.
She warned those with dogs needed to keep an even further distance at 50m and had to keep their pets leashed.
DELWP and AGL Maritime Response Unit will continue to monitor the seal.
“He’s quite a stunning animal and has quite a character,” Ms Smith said.