A fur seal has been creating quite a stir on Oreti Beach this week.

If you go down to Oreti Beach near Invercargill this week, don't be surprised if you are sharing it with a fur seal or two.

A seal turned up on the beach in the past week, Department of Conservation senior biodiversity ranger Ros Cole said.

However, it was possible that there was more than one seal, and people could be seeing a different one each time.

The furry natives had been causing quite a stir with the locals and several people had called in, she said.

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"It's not uncommon to see to see them on Oreti. The coastline is their home. It's a big beach adjacent to Foveaux Strait, so it's not surprising."

It was also a reminder to people that they were sharing the seals' home and to keep a distance of at least 20 metres, and to keep their dogs on a leash.

People should be aware as soon as they stepped on the beach at the entrance that they could encounter wildlife, she said.

Reactions had been mixed.

"With such nice weather there have been quite a few people out on the beach who have been concerned about the seal."

Some were worried the seal appeared skinny, but seemed active, alert and healthy enough.

But others had been seen harassing the animal by getting too close, she said.

"The best thing you can do is give them their space. People can get too close, and that's not on."

People should be aware that seals were wild animals and would defend themselves if they felt threatened.

DOC takes a "hands off" approach to seals, she said.

"They are capable and resilient and given time and space, they usually find their way home."

Adult seals can move surprisingly quickly on land, she said.

While they can look harmless, seals can inflict serious injuries to dogs or people, and can carry infectious diseases.

It is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal.

A dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could face prosecution.