Tasmanian officials asked the public not to approach Neil or reveal his location after people brought small babies close to the 1,000-kg elephant seal for photos.
Neil’s latest shore visit has already bent bollards, smashed a warning sign and broken a fence, while the 5-year-old sometimes blocks roads and stalls beachside towns.
Experts say the behavior is normal for a juvenile male elephant seal practicing dominance moves; with no other young males in Tasmania, Neil ends up sparring with cars and barriers.
Officials warned that crowding could force a risky relocation and cited Freya the walrus, euthanized in Norway in 2023 after public fascination created safety concerns.
Neil, on his 12th visit ashore, could grow to 5 meters and triple his weight if he reaches adulthood, underscoring calls to find a way for people and returning seals to coexist.