Doc Otago coastal biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe said 21 pups had been born this season, equalling last year’s record-breaking number, and several cows were still to give birth.
"It’s a bumper season — a record-equalling season. We’re at the bottom end of exponential growth really."
As a result, roads on the peninsula, particularly around Hoopers Inlet, were getting very busy — not only with sea lions and their pups crossing the road, but with spectators trying to catch a glimpse of them.
He said an area had been fenced off near the edge of the inlet, in Allans Beach Rd, where sea lion pups gathered while their parents were out at sea catching food.
A local farmer had allowed the use of some land nearby to create an area for spectators to park.
Mr Fyfe said it was ideal because up until now, vehicles had just been stopping on the road, creating a hazard for other motorists in the area.
"It’s in a difficult location on a corner.
"So we have to be very mindful of other road-users, pedestrians and sea lions.
"We ask that people use that car park and don’t just stop willy-nilly on the side of the road because you’ve seen some sea lions."
Two pups were killed last year when they were hit by vehicles while crossing the road.
"It’s really, really important to be vigilant because sea lions have no road sense and they’re pretty fearless.
"They’re not likely to get out of the way quickly, so travel slowly and cautiously, and take notice of the warning signs.
"It’s a pretty special habitat for the sea lions, but they are vulnerable, as we learned last year with the death of a couple of pups being hit by vehicles."
