Sunbathing elephant seal relaxing on Sorrento Beach

HE’S a sunbather who weighs two tonnes, has attracted plenty of stares from Perth beachgoers and could get angry if approached. And he’s still on Sorrento Beach.

A sea lion is heading back to the water at Sorrento Beach after spending a morning in the

HE’S a sunbather who weighs two tonnes, has attracted plenty of stares from Perth beachgoers and could get angry if approached.

Sunbathing and snoozing on Sorrento Beach, a massive male elephant seal has been big entertainment for beach goers today.

The mammal was spotted ashore earlier this morning, with Surf Life Saving WA advising beachgoers to keep their distance as they can become aggressive.

Since then, the seal has become a popular attraction, drawing curious onlookers.

Department of Parks and Wildlife officer Matt Swan also urged the crowds to stay away from the 2000kg male seal.

Mr Swan said the sub-adult southern elephant seal had likely spent a long period hunting in the water and was using a haul-out period to rest on the beach.

“We are asking beachgoers not to approach the seal and to keep their dogs on leads as seals’ behaviour can be very unpredictable,” he said.

“If it is harassed by people trying to get too close, it may feel threatened and react aggressively.

“Seals can inflict a nasty bite similar to that of a large dog so it is important to keep a safe distance of at least 30m and not get in between them and the water.”

Last year, the department received reports of four southern elephant seals coming ashore on the south-coast, and one sub-adult male reported on Carnac Island.

Southern elephant seals are generally found in waters around subantarctic islands.

Mr Swan said it was unusual for the seal to be this far north, but there had been previous occurrences.

There was one incident recorded of a large male that hauled out in the Exmouth area and remained there for five years.