Injured leopard seal recovers on Narrawallee Beach | PHOTOS

The seal has a wound on the top of its head, believed to be from a cookie cutter shark, but is otherwise in good health, NPWS project officer Mike Jarman said. 

“The wounds often look bad but they heal up quickly if the animal is healthy,” he said. 

“Quite often seals are attacked by cookie cutter sharks. These sharks are small but they have very sharp teeth. They swim at seals or whales and take a small bite of the blubber.”

NPWS ranger Libby Shields said the seal was larger than others spotted on the South Coast and would eventually make its way back to colder waters. 

“It looks healthy, but tired,” she said. 

“After a day or twos rest it will head back to the sea, eventually working its way back down the coast to Antarctica.

“Each year some animals travel up the East Coast of Australia and rest on our beaches. 

“There’s been a few leopard seals recorded this season on the NSW coast and even one in Queensland. They are more common at this time of year as the water is still cold.”

Leopard seals feed mainly on penguins. 

“They may be hunting little penguins that nest on our offshore islands such as Brush Island off Bawley Point,” Mr Jarman said. 

Signs have been placed on the beach warning people of the seal and to keep a safe distance of at least 40 metres.

“The seal will be monitored by NPWS staff while it is here,” Mr Jarman said. 

“Any dogs in the area should be kept on a leash as they will probably come off second best if they get too close.  Leopard seals have a very large mouth filled with sharp teeth and can get a bit cranky if approached.”

If you see a seal on the coast and it looks either injured, in poor condition or it is in any danger you can contact either the NPWS information line on 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) or the ORRCA  24-hour hotline on 02 9415 3333.