A spokesperson from a wildlife organisation is warning members of the public to keep their distance from a 'very vicious predator' after a leopard seal was spotted by the public on Tuesday, September 3.
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Stuart Bate sent the Camden Haven Courier photos and captured video of the seal at South Beach, Dunbogan. He acknowledged the seal is a dangerous animal and said he was keeping his distance.
Jools Farrell from Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) said it's important for the public to stay away from the animal, keep dogs on leads and to contact the rescue organisation.
Ms Farrell said it's not uncommon for leopard seals to be seen on the NSW coastline at this time of year. There have been about 15 reported to the organisation for the season.
Leopard seals, Ms Farrell said feed during the night and then rest in the day on beaches.
Ms Farrell said the seal species is very vicious and second only to that of an Orca Whale.
She warned members of the public to keep at least 40 metres away from a leopard seal if they see one. She said it's important people never stand between the animal and the water, as they might perceive it as a threat.
"They can also move very quickly and many people aren't aware they can cause serious injury to humans," she said.
For more information about ORRCA and seals, please visit the organisation's Facebook page.
Report all injured or distressed whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs by calling the 24 hour hotline on 9415 3333.
