In Australia, everyone is watching a seal that regularly destroys traffic cones. Scientists explain why
A five-year-old seal named Neil has become a real star of Australian social media. Videos of him lying in the middle of roads, climbing into yards, or flattening traffic cones are garnering millions of views. But, as experts explain, all of this is not the animal's whims, but part of a natural process.
Every year, Neil returns to the beaches near Hobart — the capital of the Australian state of Tasmania. He belongs to the species of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) — the largest seals on the planet, which got their name due to their large size and the characteristic "trunk" in males. It is here that Neil undergoes his seasonal moult: shedding his old fur and the top layer of skin.
Over the past year, Neil has grown significantly. As Science Alert writes, citing estimates from the Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, he now weighs about one ton. The once small pup was roughly the height of a traffic cone, and now easily destroys them. And he does it regularly.
Despite his size, Neil moves around the neighborhood quite agilely. In recent years, he has been repeatedly found sleeping right on the road, in private yards, near houses and cars. If something attracts his attention, he easily squeezes through fences and can even ram the doors of outbuildings.
Neil has a special fondness for traffic cones. When the seal falls asleep in public places, staff cordon him off with bright plastic signs. But very quickly, they end up under his body. Sometimes Neil rests his head on them or pushes them under his flippers.
Scientists say there's nothing surprising about this. During moulting, elephant seals tend to rub against various objects to shed old skin faster. Therefore, cones, fences, and other obstacles become a kind of scratching post for Neil.
The seal's popularity is growing as fast as he is. His TikTok audience has already reached 1.7 million followers, and hundreds of people come to see Neil live.
However, experts warn that as they age, elephant seals become more territorial and can behave aggressively. Therefore, wildlife services closely monitor Neil and, if necessary, move him away from roads and other dangerous places. They emphasize that these methods do not harm the animal.
Tourists and locals are asked not to approach Neil closer than 20 meters. It is best to observe Tasmania's most famous seal from a distance — even if he looks very cute online.
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