Some Dunedin roads have been closed to non-residents as Dunedin City Council and DOC work to ensure the safety of the city's sea lion pup population. File photo. Photo: Supplied / DOC / Giverny Forbes
Frolicking sea lion pups sneaking away in the night have chosen Dunedin roads as their playground.
Tomahawk Rd, between its Centre Rd and Southdale Rd intersections, along with the road to Smaills Beach, were closed on Thursday. The closure will stay in place until the sea lions have moved on from the area and the road will only be open to residents.
The Dunedin City Council said the safety and well-being of sea lions and humans was important and wanted to make sure they were safe from harm.
Cyclists in the area must ensure they adhere to the 30km/h speed restriction in the area, and both walkers and cyclists need to ensure they give sea lions at least 10m of space.
After consultation with the Department of Conservation (DOC), they made the decision to close the roads.
The council and DOC will continue to monitor the movement and behaviour of sea lions to ensure their safety.
- This story originally appeared in the Otago Daily Times