Department of Conservation (DOC) staff are looking for information about the mutilation of a protected fur seal in north Canterbury.
The seal was found skinned and decapitated on Amberley Beach, The Press reported.
DOC biodiversity programme manager Robin Smith was unsure whether the seal was alive or dead at the time of the mutilation.
"It is possible that the seal was caught and mutilated at sea, rather than a shore-based attack," he said.
Mr Smith asked anyone with information to come forward.
Penalties of up to six months' jail and $250,000 in fines can be imposed for maltreatment of New Zealand fur seals, or kekeno.
Juvenile seals are often seen on Canterbury beaches at this time of year as they rest following fishing expeditions.
