Dr Jane Younger from the University of Tasmania warned that the marine mammal's size poses an immediate physical threat.
"He’s already at a size now where he’s dangerous," said Dr Younger. "Even if he’s not in an aggressive mood, he could easily kill a person.
They have a big mouth, big teeth, you could get very seriously injured."
Local resident Dale Creamer, who documents the seal on social media, spoke about the mammal's massive popularity among residents.
"He's always been a bit of an icon," said Creamer. "He's up there with Queen Mary and cherries and apples and stuff like that."
Creamer stated that online audiences view the seal's behavior as highly relatable to human life.
"I think people can relate to him," said Creamer. "A lot of people have said he's like the animal version of [themselves]."
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff addressed the widespread interest while reinforcing the government's official safety protocols.
"He has a lot of social media activity when it comes to Neil the seal," said Rockliff.
"It's certainly sparked the attention and imagination of many people both in Tasmania and abroad.
[But] we need to be very mindful of Neil the seal and keep a very close watch with respect to the proximity of Neil.
And we need to be very mindful of leaving Neil alone to go about his daily routine."
The department faced local backlash last week after wildlife handlers used wooden poles and barge boards to guide Neil away from a road, causing him to lash out.
Social media manager Jason Howlett stated that the community strongly disapproved of the handling method during the road clearance operation.
"The general feeling of the public is outrage, many people have made complaints," said Howlett. "I would have used the traffic cone to lure him without hitting him."
Howlett added that Neil remains a beloved icon whose presence represents the close bond between local towns and native wildlife.
"Neil the seal has become a deeply cherished figure in southern Tasmania because his regular coastal visits embody the unique, sometimes chaotic, and close-knit relationship between Tasmanian communities and their local wildlife," said Howlett.
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A spokesperson for the department defended the actions, stating that handlers used safe, approved tactics to prevent the seal from being struck by vehicles.
