Some of Dunedin’s newest residents are on the move and they are considered quite vulnerable.
About 20 New Zealand sea lion pups between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks old could at present be on any Dunedin beach - from Ocean View in the south to Warrington in the north - Department of Conservation and Dunedin City Council summer ranger Giverny Forbes said.
Dunedin’s sea lion mothers found "hidey holes" to give birth in over the holiday period, but now the sea lion pups were old enough to be on the move and mums and pups were venturing out.
At the weekend, summer rangers encountered the 22nd pup of the season at Lawyers Head and had no idea where the mother, a sea lion known as Vega, had given birth, she said.
"We had no idea where she was, or what she was up to," Miss Forbes said.
But now "all of the mums are starting to move the pups along the coast".
Two pups were recently seen moving along John Wilson Ocean Dr and were expected to be on the beach below the road soon.
A female sea lion, known as Paige, and her pup were expected to be moving up the coast from Ocean View.
Another, known as Joy, and her pup had recently departed Warrington.
The pup seen at Lawyers Head on Saturday was the 22nd pup counted this season, but of this year’s pups, one had been stillborn, and one died very soon after birth, Miss Forbes said.
It was important for people to be vigilant on city beaches and sand dunes as mothers and pups could use anywhere on the coast for a rest, including roads.
"Mums are leaving [pups] hidden in new spots when they go on a fishing trip.
"If you see them, give them lots of space - 20m is ideal.
"If one comes towards you, back away.
"We don't want pups thinking it's OK to interact with people as this could get them into a lot of trouble when they get bigger."
Miss Forbes said all dogs should be on lead when passing through sand dunes or coastal vegetation.
