A number of seals have been spotted in the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui areas in recent weeks, prompting a warning for people to steer clear of them.

A seal was seen early last week near Takitimu Drive and another was snapped on Salisbury Wharf in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

According to the Department of Conservation, from July to September each year there's an influx in adolescent seals appearing on NZ shores and further inland.

This is because seal pups begin to wean as their mothers prepare for new pups.

DOC recommends that on finding a New Zealand fur seal it's usually best to leave it alone, however, there are exceptions.

DOC takes a ‘hands off' approach to seals.

'Seals are capable and resilient and given time and space, they usually find their way home.

'Seals are wild animals and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Adult seals can move surprisingly quickly on land. While they can look harmless, seals can inflict serious injuries to dogs or people and can carry infectious diseases.”

It is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal. A dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could face prosecution.

DOC provide safety guidelines when watching seals. You should stay at least 20 m away, don't disturb seals by making loud noises or throwing things, keep dogs and children away, don't feed the seals, and never attempt to touch a seal.

More information on seals and what to do if you come across one can be found on the Department of Conservation website http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-mammals/seals/nz-fur-seal/what-to-do/'