DOC reports 200% increase in seal sightings in 72 hours

<p>A seal pup spotted "dangerously" crossing a road in Wellington this weekend has been helped back to sea, as the Department of Conservation reported a 200% increase in sightings.</p> <p>Just after 1pm on Sunday, police were called following reports of the mammal crossing Hutt Rd.</p> <p>The seal was found near the Wellington Railway Station and seemed to be trying to head back to the water, which involved crossing the road again, Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley said.</p> <p>"With guidance from DOC our staff were able to uplift the seal and drive it to a safe place where it was released into the water," she said.</p> <p>"This was collaborative problem solving which prevented any further issues for the young seal and for road users.”</p> <h2>'Adventurous' seal pups spotted in Wellington CBD, Parliament grounds</h2> <p>This weekend was extremely busy for seals coming ashore in the capital, DOC said, after the department received almost…