Officials are asking the public to keep their distance as a seal is likely moulting on the shores of Oak Bay.
The juvenile elephant seal is near Oak Bay Marina, prompting police on Tuesday to tell people to stay away from the animal while it’s on land.
Moulting is a natural process for the seals and they can spend around a month on land or close to land each year during this process, which sees them shed their fur and the underlying layer of skin.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) notes that while they may look slow and harmless, the seals are still capable of moving very quickly and could be dangerous if they feel threatened.
Anyone who sees an animal being harassed or injured, or an injured or sick animal exhibiting highly unusual behaviour is asked to call the DFO’s 24-hour Observe, Record and Report hotline at 1-800-465-4336.
READ: Elephant seal picks Metchosin beach for moulting spot
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