AN elephant seal that decided it wanted to be part of the urban jungle rather the marine environment pushed through fences and broke garden furniture before stopping to sun itself in a Bruny Island backyard.

media_camera Some of the fences damaged by the seal.

The seal, which island residents say has been loitering for a few weeks, came ashore at Adventure Bay yesterday morning.

It travelled 250m from the beach and through two private properties leaving behind a trail of destruction before it decided to stop for a breather.

Island resident Lionel Jones, who lives next door to the property on which the sea lion decided to set up camp, said the mammal was about 2.5m long and could have weighed up to a tonne.

“At first we thought the damage had been caused by vandals and notified the police. Then we spotted the sea lion and called off the authorities,” Mr Jones said.

“My neighbour’s insurance claim should be interesting reading to say the least.”

About 2.30pm the wayward seal started making its way back to the beach.