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There is concern a new sea lion pup could be harassed by dogs on a Dunedin beach, sparking a warning for dog owners to keep their pets away.
Department of Conservation biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe said he was called yesterday morning about sightings of a female sea lion and her pup in John Wilson Ocean Dr, St Kilda, near the bollards.
He initially thought it was Hariwa, a female sea lion who gave birth on the Chisholm Links Golf Club course in early January.
But it was another sea lion and her month-old pup.
The pup could be left in the dunes on St Kilda Beach while its mother went away to find food, and Mr Fyfe was concerned the pup could easily be found by roaming dogs.
He said dog owners should expect to see wildlife on the beach, keep their dog close and on a lead near protected wildlife.