A seal sleeping under a car in Mount Maunganui caused a bit of a stir this morning.

Two police officers were on seal watch after the fur seal was found under a white car on Pacific Ave.

Alarm bells were raised this morning, after a nearby resident expressed concerns that it may be harmed.

A Pacific Ave resident, who wished not to be named, says that the fur seal come out of the water in Pilot's Bay last night and crossed The Mall to the corner of Pacific Ave.

The seal is said to have loitered around in the area a while, crossed the road a few times and attempted to pass through the fence into a nearby property, before eventually taking up its resting spot under the car.

The resident says another neighbour in the area put signs on the car warning the owner that a seal was sleeping under it and not to move the car.

She says the owner of the car was aware that the seal was under the car.

The seal has since been moved back into the water.

Biodiversity Ranger Karl McCarthy says it's a pup aged about 10 months.

"Born end of November/beginning of December. It's weaned and not reliant on its mother but out fending for itself.

"It's in good condition. They need their rest and that's why they come ashore. People need to respect their time on the land.

"Yesterday there was someone trying to usher a seal back into the water but it's important to let them have their rest.

"We need to give them their space - 20 metres. And we need to keep dogs on leashes.

"If a seal is injured, entangled or being harassed by people or dogs call 0800 DOC HOTline on 0800 362 468."

The seal loitered in the area before falling asleep under the car.