Tasmanian authorities have spent Boxing Day chasing around a large seal on the loose in Launceston.
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Dubbed "Lou-Seal" by Tasmania Police, the creature was seen by residents of Newstead atop a silver Toyota Camry about 6.40am.
In front of onlookers, the animal leapt from the vehicle - leaving behind extensive damage, including a cracked windshield and dents in the car's frame.
The seal, which was believed to have wandered from the estuary, then took a short nap behind the Subaru.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologist Doctor Rachael Alderman said it wasn’t that uncommon for seals to be found in urban settings during summer because they’re in the midst of their breeding season.
“Several times a year our offices are called out to remove seals from a strange location,” she said.
While seals were not typically aggressive, Dr Alderman stressed they were still wild and unpredictable animals.
Dr Alderman believed the seal was an older male, making his snooze in the driveway pretty common.
“At this time of year you get several males looking for somewhere quiet because they are at the end of their life,” she said. “The males in particular are often found in unusual sports.”
The Newstead family that owned the cars were left in disbelief at the sight of the seal.
In disbelief of what happened, Tom Gregory rushed into his brother Will Gregory's room repeating, 'there is a seal out the front'.
"At first I was like, 'what'," Will said.
"[The seal] must've decided [the cars] were rocks...it looks like it has crawled on top of the Camry and tried to get over it," he said.
"Because they were parked quite close, it looks like it has slid off the back of the Camry straight onto the Subaru and it practically just jumped off the back of it and hit the concrete."
11.33am: Tasmania Police worked with Parks and Wildlife to tranquillise and safely remove the seal.
10.55am: “Lou-Seal”, as nicknamed by Tasmania Police, which was found wandering the streets of Newstead has been tranquilised.
Parks and Wildlife officers, with the assistance of police, will move Lou-Seal when it is safe.
8.10am: A wild seal that took refuge on the bonnet of a vehicle in Newstead has stopped for a nap.
Tasmania Police is at the scene awaiting a member from Parks and Wildlife to safely remove the animal.
7.43am: Tasmania Police said officers have the seal secured, but are waiting for someone from Parks and Wildlife to safely remove the seal.
Members of the public are advised not to approach the seal.
EARLIER:
A seal is on the loose in Newstead.
Tasmania Police and Parks and Wildlife are working to capture and remove the seal.
The seal is currently on Penquite Road.
Police said members of the public should not approach the animal.
People are advised to remain at a safe distance to avoid agitating the seal and risking harm to themselves or the animal.