People taking a stroll along Wellington's south coast were treated to a rare sight this afternoon - a leopard seal taking a nap.
The area was cordoned off by the Department of Conservation, so the seal could rest peacefully and to keep beachgoers and dogs safe.
Leopard seals can move quickly if they feel threatened, and have powerful jaws which can inflict serious injuries on dogs or people. They also can carry infectious diseases.
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Leopard seals are known to attack penguins and dogs. The endangered animals also have a history of animosity towards humans, and are capable of killing people if they become sufficiently worked up.
The species is normally from Antarctica but visits New Zealand coasts occasionally, though they're mainly spotted in the Campbell and Auckland Islands, south of Invercargill.
But in the end, the sleepy visitor decided to head off on its own accord.
Newshub.
