For the last two weeks I have ventured outside my comfort zone and come across some amazing sights, but what I saw this morning was very unexpected.
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Related: Seal finds shelter and attention at Tuncurry: photos...click here
As I was walking around the rocks before sunrise at Forster main beach trying to get closer to a bird I glimpsed what I thought to be a rock swing toward me and let out an almighty bark. To my amazement it was a seal having a rest. After I retreated a fair distance it allowed myself and local swimmer Bob Harkins to observe it and take some pictures before it waddled into the water.
ORRCA advice on celebrity seals
TWO seals were made celebrities in Forster and Port Macquarie earlier this week when their photos were posted online by excited onlookers.
However advice from President of The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) Ronnie Ling, is that these seals aren't looking for an audience and certainly not any 'paparazzi'.
"People need to realise that seals are wild animals," he said.
"They need to be given respect. They are unpredictable and can get very self defensive."
Ronnie warns that people should stay at least 40 metres away from the animals, and to never let pets or children get close.
Ronnie explained that people often confuse the meaning of seal's movements.
A 'yawn' is a defense mechanism, where they are showing their teeth as if to say "I'll bite you".
When their flippers are in the air they are either sunning themselves or cooling off in the wind.
Ronnie's advice to keep safe around seals is simple:
o Never get between the seal and the water. If they are threatened they will do anything to get to the water - biting included.
o Don't try and feed or touch the animal. Firstly this is an invitation to be bitten, and secondly it will imprint the animal in to thinking seeing people means food.
o If you think the animal may be injured contact the ORRCA 24-hour-hotline 02 9415 3333
The seal spottings could be good news for fisherman with their arrival signalling a mass of oily fish in the water, such as murray or tailor.
"There's a seal in Lake Macquarie that's been their entire month enjoying their fish," said Ronnie.
Ronnie describes seals as gorgeous animals, and understands why people might be so taken back.
"It's a privilege to see these animals and we need to do the right thing and ensure they are here for a long time for everyone to enjoy and appreciate," he said.
The seal in Forster was found on Tuncurry's breakwall and Port Macquarie's seal was spotted in the Hastings River.
