A seal disrupts traffic on a major highway in Timaru.
On Thursday evening, a police spokeswoman said officers attended a call on Campbell Rd in the South Island town, just off State Highway 1.
A stamp blocked both lanes, they said. Police were busy opening both lanes as of 7:30 p.m. Provided video footage showed the apparent fur seal sitting in the middle of the road as multiple patrol cars and motorists watched.
Delivered
A seal causing trouble on a road in Timaru.
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Frances Adank said road builders responded, but police and the Department of Conservation were the lead agencies.
Two weeks ago, a seal surfaced on Timaru’s South Beach, attracting about 10 residents from nearby homes.
The department’s marine science advisor, Laura Boren said in June reports had come in from across the country of adventurous seals showing up in unusual areas.
Sonia Sullivan
Several police officers responded to the incident.