AN Australian fur seal made its way into the Launceston suburb of Newstead this morning and stopped for a rest on the bonnet of a car.

The large seal then stopped for a sleep in a driveway on Penquite Rd and was being monitored by police.

The animal – nicknamed Mr Lou-Seal” by police – has now been tranquilised and removed by Parks and Wildlife and Tasmania Police officers.

He will be checked for any medical issues before being relocated and released.

media_camera The seal stopped for a rest on the bonnet of a car in the home’s driveway. Picture: SUPPLIED

A police spokeswoman said the seal had likely come up through nearby river systems, which was common in the area in recent times.

Police have also urged the public to maintain a safe distance to avoid unnecessarily agitating the seal and risk harm to themselves or the animal.

The seal was photographed comically sitting on the bonnet of one car and has also broken the windscreen of another.