Fur seal euthanised after spotted on walking path at North Brighton amid ‘abnormally’ high-tide warning

The animal was spotted in the beachside suburb on Monday, apparently trying to escape wild seas.

A long-nosed fur seal has been euthanised after it was spotted in “poor condition” walking along a footpath at North Brighton on Monday morning.

Reports of the sea lion came just after 8am, with photos obtained by FIVEAA, showing the animal laying on the path.

The Department for Environment and Water said the mammal was assessed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff, who made the decision to euthanise the marine animal due to its poor health.

A long-nosed fur seal has been spotted up on the walking path at North Brighton. Picture: FIVEAA

“Due to its poor condition, the seal was euthanised by a veterinarian,” a spokesperson said.

“The cause of the seal’s ill health is currently unknown, but testing - including for notifiable diseases and any possible link to the algal bloom - will be undertaken.

“Rough seas may also have been a contributing factor to the seal’s poor condition.

“The death of marine mammals, while unfortunate, is not an uncommon occurrence. We encourage anyone who discovers stranded marine mammals to contact their local National Parks and Wildlife Service office.”

The DEW reminded the public to always report any marine animals in distress and to “maintain a minimum distance of 30 metres” when they are on land.

A long-nosed fur seal has been spotted up on the walking path at North Brighton. Picture: FIVEAA

It comes as a severe weather warning for abnormally high tides was activated for much of the state’s coastal areas, including Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Ceduna.

The high-tide warning comes as South Australia bracing for the most powerful cold front this year, with damaging winds and “abnormally” high tides expected to lash the state on Monday.

Last month, a vehicle struck a sea lion on the North South Motorway, near the Port River Expressway at Dry Creek, leaving the carcass and debris spread over the road.

Originally published as Fur seal euthanised after spotted on walking path at North Brighton amid ‘abnormally’ high-tide warning