'Neil the Seal' Is Causing Chaos and Total Delight in Tasmania
There’s a new superstar in Tasmania—and his name is Neil the seal. The 1,300 pound elephant seal has been capturing the hearts of people all over the world through spectator videos of him exploring the town of Dunalley, Tasmania outside of the water. He’s shown in a video hamming it up for an audience of people who stopped when they saw him on the side of the road.
According to locals, Neil has been causing traffic issues by plopping himself right in the middle of the road. The large obstruction is definitely tough to swerve around while driving!
Every year, Neil shows up looking to wreak havoc on the town. His primary offense is putting himself in one area and refusing to leave. Some locals have really taken to the seal, even spraying him down with water from their hose, as shown in a video on TikTok.
Related: Seal Crashes Couple's Private Vows on the Beach and No One Is Complaining
Elephant seals often come ashore to rest and molt after spending extended periods of time foraging for food in the ocean. They typically remain ashore for a span of four to five weeks.
Environmental officials warn the public about the dangers of elephant seals. They should not be engaged with as Neil has been, because it compromises their ability to survive in the wild. Especially if people feed Neil, he’s going to become accustomed to it.
Fun Facts About Elephant Seals
By the end of the 19th century, elephant seals were nearly extinct due to overhunting. Thankfully, their populations have boomed and they are no longer near extinction. The maximum lifespan for male elephant seals is 14 years, while females may live up to 20 years.
Elephant seals can dive up to 5,000 feet below the surface of the ocean to search for food. When they head out to sea, they don’t waste any time. They can travel up to 60 miles per day underwater!
On land, elephant seals are a lot less agile. They need to waddle in order to move around since they don’t have legs. Elephant seals are protected from extreme cold by their blubber rather than fur. Their hair and outer layers of skin molt every year in large patches. Their skin needs to be regrown by blood vessels reaching through the blubber.
When molting, the seal avoids cold ocean temperatures and rests on land, just as Neil is doing now. He’s surely loving the opportunity to get out of the water and explore, but he’s definitely been a force to be reckoned with recently!
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