Were you lucky enough to see the seal hauled out at Towradgi beach last week?

A haul-out is when a seal temporarily leaves the water to rest or recuperate. If you’ve seen the seals down at the break wall in Narooma launching themselves out of the water and up the rocks, fighting and shuffling about for a better, sun-drenched position, you’ll know that they are as happy on land as they are in the sea.

But there’s something about seeing these large marine mammals out of the water, mid-way up on the sand – as was the case with the most recent haul-out – that just looks odd. And when they’re laying there, not moving around much at all, it’s easy to be concerned.

This Australian fur seal had been fully assessed by the team from ORRCA (the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) the day prior and was deemed healthy and was likely just resting after some big seas. This isn’t always the case and if you do come across a hauled-out seal it’s always best to contact ORRCA on 02 9415 3333, so they can check it over for illness or injury.

While some of you would have stumbled across this lovely male during your morning beach walk, I was tipped off by someone who had seen the sighting posted on social media; you’ve got to love the nature enthusiasts hotline!

By the time I made my way onto the sand, the seal had shifted from its position earlier in the day and was being watched over by an ORRCA volunteer, the surrounding sand taped off so that it could continue its snooze in peace. 

And here’s the thing, I’m a big fan of sharing wildlife sightings with others. I believe the more people, especially kids, who can get to see these wild animals in the flesh, the more people will want to protect the animals and their habitat. It’s just so much more meaningful watching these mammals stretch and yawn and blink sleepily into the sun, when they are right there in front of you.

But humans will be human and sometimes curiosity gets the better of us and we want to get closer to the animal than the allowed 40 metres. 

Just remember, seals are surprisingly fast on land, have huge teeth and they can and will bite if they feel threatened. That includes if you have a dog with you or get between the seal and its escape route, the ocean. And that’s especially true if they’re recuperating and feel particularly vulnerable. 

They are definitely one of those animals that are best admired – okay, ‘oohed and aahed’ over because they are absolutely adorable – at a distance.

Did you get to see the seal? We'd love to see your photos.

ORRCA has great factsheets about whales and seals that you can find here