UPDATE: City of Victoria officials have informed Victoria Buzz that the seal has left Gonzales Beach.
The seal has moved on. Marine Mammal Rescue will continue to check-in if seal returns. Pls continue to use caution if you see the seal. #yyj https://t.co/iFWNS9nHKR
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) May 16, 2018
EARLIER: Victorians are once again being asked to stay away from an elephant seal that has returned to Gonzales Beach to moult.
The City of Victoria tweeted on Wednesday that a seal was on the beach, and that dogs and children should be kept at a safe distance.
Victoria police also asked the public in a tweet to “let the seal moult in peace.”
An elephant seal originally made its way to Gonzales Beach last April. The moulting process usually lasts 25 to 28 days, during which time the animals don’t go into the water to feed.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and BC SPCA had to repeatedly warn the public to leave the seal alone after reports of people yelling and throwing things at the animal.
It’s not yet known if this elephant seal is the same one that appeared earlier.
The DFO told Victoria Buzz that fishery officers and their marine mammal coordinator are currently assessing the animal.
More to come.
An elephant seal has returned to Gonzales Beach to molt. Please stay away from the seal and use caution with dogs and children #yyj pic.twitter.com/vkR6x8Bb8a
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) May 16, 2018