People going for a stroll in Mount Maunganui are being asked to stay well clear of a leopard seal spotted basking on the sand this afternoon.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says they spotted the seal by the rope swings near the harbour's entrance, and that some walkers - who were unaware of its presence - had gotten dangerously close to the animal.

A leopard seal (not pictured) has been spotted by the rope swings near the entrance to the harbour on the Mount Maunganui side this afternoon. File Photo.

The Department of Conservation confirms it is aware of the leopard seal and that rangers have been and will continue to keep a close eye on it.

'Seals are wild animals and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Adult seals can move surprisingly quickly on land,” says a DOC spokesperson.

'While they can look harmless, seals can inflict serious injuries to dogs or people and can carry infectious diseases.”

The spokesperson says seals and other marine animals like it come to shore to rest and that it is quite a common occurrence.

Given this fact, and that seals can be quite aggressive if it feels threatened, DOC is urging people to keep their distance if they spot the animal.

'We're asking people to keep themselves, their children and their dogs at least 20m away from the seal, and please don't try to touch or feed it.”

Under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, it is an offence to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal, while a dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could face prosecution.

Anyone charged under the MMPA with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a seal faces a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment or a fine to a maximum of $250,000.

It's the second time that a leopard seal has come ashore recently. Last month a seal, which the locals affectionately dubbed ‘Cecil', was discovered basking amongst the rocks near Moturiki (Leisure) Island.