Fur seal frolicks with visitors in a lake after swimming kilometres inland
From reporter Joanne Naish:
A fur seal has been making himself at home and putting on a show for visitors in a West Coast lake.
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge owner and guide Gerry McSweeney said New Zealand fur seals had been visiting Lake Moeraki for the last five years. Lake Moeraki is 3km upriver from the Tasman Sea in South Westland, north of Haast.
A male fur seal has been resident in the lake for the past six months.
“They seem happy here and eat a regular diet of eels and trout. We see this particular male almost every day over a stretch of about 5km of river and lake,” he said.
McSweeney takes tourists out on kayak trips on the lake, which is surrounded by rainforest and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Site.
The fur seal recently frolicked in the water lying on his back and waving his flippers around near a group of kayakers.
“Their behaviour lying on their backs and waving their flippers about in the sunshine is to do with thermoregulation. They do this in sunny weather and keep warm from the sun on their flippers,” he said.
He believed the fur seals were attracted by a plentiful food source, but their presence had not dented the trout population in the lake, he said.
“The trout fishing in Lake Moeraki remains very good. This is further evidence that the presence of a large predator actually helps improve the health of the prey population because the predator will generally only eat the old, the sick and the weak species leading to an overall improvement in the health of the prey population,” he said.
McSweeney said it was unusual to see seals in freshwater. He only knew of Lake McKerrow in the Lower Hollyford Valley in northern Fiordland as the other place where fur seals have been seen in a freshwater lake.
“This is not common anywhere in New Zealand. Our visitors think the presence of a seal in Lake Moeraki is yet further evidence of what a special place the West Coast is,” he said.
Department of Conservation’s West Coast Marine Reserves Ranger Don Neale said it was an interesting find.
“It’s interesting and uncommon, but not unheard of to have a seal in such a lake. Lake Moeraki is a pretty easy swim upriver for a seal,” he said.
Fur seals had previously been seen up to 20km up rivers in other parts of New Zealand.
“We call them marine mammals, but they don’t know that,” he said.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
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