Leopard seal draws crowds at Lower Hutt beach

A leopard seal lying on Petone Beach in Lower Hutt has been attracting dozens of curious spectators.The Department of Conservation (DOC) estimates more than 150 people have come to see the sea mammal since it came ashore on Saturday afternoon."It's so awesome to have animals like this come and visit us around New Zealand," says DOC ranger Melody McLaughlin"I really have to give a shoutout to people because they've been awesome. They've been really respectful, keeping space, giving the animal plenty of space."This part of Petone Beach is a off-leash dog walking area. And everybody yesterday and today that we have seen have had their dogs on leads."DOC thanked dog owners for keeping their pets on leads.DOC / SuppliedMcLaughlin said that's wise because leopard seals can severely injure or kill dogs that get too close, particularly smaller breeds."I think people just have to be aware these animals are apex predators. They are not afraid of moving objects coming in front of them."At the same time, she said people need to be mindful that leopard seals are a protected species, so need to be given their space.DOC says about 150 people have come to see the leopard seal.DOC / SuppliedMcLaughlin said the sight of them on New Zealand beaches is rare but becoming more common."[In] the last few years, this is probably the third one that I've seen. We had a massive, huge leopard seal in Oriental Parade by the boat sheds for a time."She said DOC staff have not been trying to get this one back into the water."He's perfectly happy having the snooze on the beach here," she said. "And he will go when he's good and ready to go back into the water."