Tasmanian wildlife officials warned the public on Thursday to maintain a safe distance from a 1,000-kilogram southern elephant seal named Neil to prevent dangerous safety concerns during his annual coastal visit.
The five-year-old marine predator has drawn massive crowds and generated millions of social media views by wandering into streets, crushing barriers, and sleeping on roads in southern Tasmania.
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Officials reported risky public behaviors, including people bringing infants close to the animal and attempting to take selfies within a few meters.
Officials Warn of Potential Euthanasia
Dr Kris Carlyon, the section head for wildlife health at Tasmania’s department of natural resources, expressed concern over the community's intense interaction with the animal.
"We have seen examples around the world where large, potentially dangerous animals have had to be euthanised if there is risky behaviour by the public, resulting in an unmanageable safety concern," said Dr Carlyon.
Carlyon compared the seal to other dangerous wild predators to highlight the necessity of keeping a safe distance.
"He can look cute, cuddly [and] placid, but he’s a large marine predator – and we certainly wouldn’t be approaching things like polar bears [and] bison in other parts of the world," said Dr Carlyon.
Carlyon noted that while the mammal's popularity increases conservation awareness, it simultaneously encourages dangerous human activities near the shore.
"Neil’s fame is a bit of a double-edged sword," said Dr Carlyon.
"Right now the attention Neil gets helps with awareness of our threatened species, helps with his protection in some ways.
