Sightings of 'Sammy' the seal lying near dead birds in Portland spark community concerns
Residents of Portland, Australia, are concerned about the safety of a local elephant seal named 'Sammy' due to the presence of dead birds nearby. Locals are calling for authorities to protect the seal from potential exposure to the H5N1 bird flu virus.
Why it matters
The story reflects growing public anxiety regarding the spread of avian influenza and its potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems.
Portland's "Sammy the seal" rests near a dead bird. ( Supplied: Scott Kempton )
Portland residents are concerned by recent sightings of well-known elephant seal "Sammy" lounging near dead birds.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has been contacted for comment.
Some in the Victorian coastal community want to see more action to protect seals from the H5N1 virus.
Link copied Share Share article For seven years, Scott Kempton has taken boats out of the waters of Portland, Victoria for maintenance, but for the past three weeks, he has used a long-handled shovel to clear the same slipway of dozens of dead birds.
"There was one day last week where there was 22," the slipway operator said.
Scott Kempton says Sammy is "not as aggro" as Tasmania's famous "Neil the seal". ( Supplied )
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