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Sleeping Seal Halts Mornington Peninsula Traffic Before Safe Return to Sea

The episode underscores routine public safety responses to rising seal sightings in Port Phillip Bay.

Overview

  • Sammy the seal, which hauled out on Dromana’s Point Nepean Road on Friday, prompted police to close lanes and guide drivers.
  • Transport officials reported short delays, with the Department of Transport logging waits of up to seven minutes when traffic was reduced to one lane.
  • Zoos Victoria’s Marine Response Unit arrived and escorted the animal back to the water.
  • VicTraffic said all lanes had reopened by about 1pm after the removal.
  • Researchers say seal numbers in Port Phillip Bay have grown since protections in the 1980s, which helps explain more encounters near busy beaches and roads.