A barrier to progress

Eight-year-old sea lion Mika peers around a piece of plywood, established to prevent her from moving inland on to a busy road.

Department of Conservation coastal Otago biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe said Mika and her pup had taken up residence in a South Dunedin park.

Roads and dogs were some threats to female sea lions as they moved inland to avoid males.

He expected about 35 pups to be born around Dunedin this season and estimated 14 had been born so far.

"We’re just keeping tabs on where they are ... the ones that are pushing up against public activities are the ones we need to pay most attention to."

People should think of sea lions’ presence as a "fairly normal" occurrence at this time of year, and give the animals space, observe them from a distance and call Doc.

"Give them space to get on with being a sea lion."