Elephant seal in Tasmania chases down crowd of onlookers

(CBS, KYMA) - Neil the elephant seal has once again returned to Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania for his annual moult, keeping locals on their toes with his cheeky and sometimes destructive antics.

Footage captured by Teddy Nakintu shows Neil scratching himself on traffic bollards and napping as onlookers observed from afar.

Nakintu also witnessed the moment Neil chased after the crowd, which she described as "really exciting and a bit scary."

"Ultimately, I don't think he means people any harm, and he must enjoy the company of people or he would choose some more secluded location," Nakintu said.

The five-year-old elephant seal first soared to internet stardom in 2023 after videos of him causing mayhem in southern Tasmania went viral.

Neil returns to Tasmania twice a year during mating and moulting season, where he is often seen slamming into bollards and signage.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley told Pulse Tasmania Neil has caused damage to public property and urged locals to stay at least 20 meters away at all times.

"I understand that until he completes his moulting process, he'll continue to scratch up against things to help shed his old fur. Until then, I encourage everyone to please give Neil the space he needs and not to attempt to visit him," Mayor Blomeley said.