Coasties are urged to leave seals alone if one is washed up on the shore and to report illegal behaviour.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is investigating an incident where a man wearing a wetsuit, was filmed on a New Zealand beach grabbing a seal pup by the scruff of its neck and stuffing it into a bag. 

It is not known where the incident took place.

The incident has prompted an investigation, and the perpetrator may face severe consequences for his actions.

Seals are a protected species in New Zealand, and their population has been on the rise since the last total population estimate of 200,000 in 2001. 

There have been reports of seals found on various beaches around the Hibiscus Coast, and the DOC is appealing to the Coasties to leave them alone.

“Despite their increasing numbers, it is crucial to remember that these animals are best left undisturbed in their natural habitats,” says a spokesperson for the DOC. 

“Seals can often be found in unusual places on land, such as backyards, drains, and streets, but human intervention is strongly discouraged.”

DoC emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance of at least 20 meters from seals whenever possible and advises against getting between the animal and the sea.

Any disturbance or harassment of these creatures can have serious legal consequences, as demonstrated by the ongoing investigation into the seal pup harassment incident.

The penalties for harassing, disturbing, injuring, or killing a marine mammal under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 are quite severe, with maximum penalties including two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000.

If you witness anyone disturbing seals or any other illegal activity related to wildlife, the DOC urges you to report it immediately by calling their emergency hotline at 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). 

Dead seals can also be reported at this number.