Authorities investigate critically injured baby seal found on Victorian beach
The juvenile sub-Antarctic fur seal was found with critical injuries on Lake Bunga Beach. (Supplied: Crime Stoppers Victoria)
In short:
An investigation is underway after a baby seal was found with serious bone fractures on an east Victorian beach.
The seal was euthanased after a vet found it had suffered a fractured spine and ribs.
What's next?
Authorities say the injuries were "suspicious" and are appealing for witnesses.
Authorities are appealing for witnesses after a juvenile sub-Antarctic fur seal was found with critical injuries near Lakes Entrance, in Victoria's east.
Readers are advised this article contains details some may find distressing.
Victoria's Conservation Regulator said a member of the public first spotted the baby seal unharmed on Lake Bunga Beach early one morning in September.
Manager of the Gippsland branch, Cal Heppell, said the seal's condition had changed dramatically when the witness returned that evening.
"The member of the public went back around 6.00pm and the seal was observed to have some facial injuries," Mr Heppell said.
"It was then assessed by a vet and was subsequently euthanased because of some significant injuries sustained to its spine and ribs."
An investigation into the seal's injuries is underway. (Supplied: Crime Stoppers Victoria)
The witness told authorities they saw human and dog footprints at the scene, as well as a large stick surrounding the baby seal.
The seal was reported to authorities and euthanased on Tuesday, September 17.
Necropsy and investigation underway
The Conservation Regulator has since launched an investigation into the "suspicious" incident and Melbourne Zoo will now conduct a necropsy to determine the exact cause of the injuries.
"We believe the circumstances of its injuries are suspicious, which is why we're investigating," Mr Heppell said.
"We're calling for the public's help in case someone's seen a vehicle or a person coming or going from Lake Bunga Beach.
"We're just hoping someone can shed some light around what may have happened."
The seal suffered spinal and rib fractures. (Supplied: Crime Stoppers Victoria)
In a post to Facebook, resident Anne Kaiser identified herself as the person who alerted authorities about the baby seal.
Ms Kaiser said she felt "hurt" to find the juvenile seal lying on the beach with such horrific injuries.
"We got authorised to carry him off the beach and met with a wildlife officer who took him to the vets," the post stated.
"It really hurts me seeing little Sammy [the seal] so peaceful and just a few hours later [seeing] the damage we humans can cause."
The seal was taken to an authorised vet and euthanased. (Supplied: Crime Stoppers Victoria)
An offence to harm, touch seals
Usually found in Antarctica and Tasmania, it is rare for sub-Antarctic fur seals to be spotted in Victorian waters.
In Victoria, it is an offence to harm, disturb, touch or go within 30 metres of a seal on land.
Offenders face a maximum penalty of $3,951 under the Wildlife Act, and up to $49,397 or 12 months in prison under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The Conservation Regulator has urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria.