Reminder after sea lions harassed

Police are reminding people to stay away from wildlife on Dunedin beaches this summer after reports a motorcycle rider was harassing endangered New Zealand sea lions at the weekend.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said police received a complaint about driving at Tomahawk Beach about 4.30pm on Sunday.

The motorcycle rider left before police arrived, Snr Sgt Bond said.

‘‘It’s a reminder to people on the beaches this summer to stay away from the wildlife.’’

Department of Conservation biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe said the incident on Sunday was not reported to Doc but it was unacceptable behaviour.

Local bylaws prohibited vehicles from going on the beaches around Dunedin for the safety of both people and wildlife such as sea lions, he said.

• Police 105, quote P048775986.

hamish.maclean@odt.co.nz