The Department of Conservation is urging the public to stay at least 10m away from sea lions on Dunedin beaches following an incident at St Kilda yesterday.
Members of the public laid complaints after three bikini-clad women decided to sunbathe near a sea lion.
A member of the public, who declined to be named, said she warned the women to stay away, but they would not move.
"These girls were not interested in hearing about the sea lion’s welfare.
"I took their photo and told them my dog is better behaved than them. He [the dog] maintains a respectable distance."
Department of Conservation Otago coastal biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe said there had been similar incidents at the beach in the past and Doc’s message had always been: "Give them space".
"We advise at least 10m, but you should back off further if the sea lion is taking an interest in you," he said.
"If you get too close and it takes exception, it’s going to charge at you. That can be pretty scary.
"It’s not an attack — it’s just what they do.
"Respect their space; respect them as a wild animal."
Mr Fyfe said people could be fined for disturbing or harassing sea lions, but Doc’s preference was to educate people instead.
"It’s an offence, but at the moment we would rather use the carrot than the stick."
