A new campaign featuring a southern elephant seal perched on the hood of a car has been launched by RACT.

With the underlying message of encouraging Tasmanians to keep a safe distance from wildlife, RACT says the ‘When Tasmania Comes’ campaign shows that unexpected events, such as wildlife damage, can occur.

Carla Wisinski, RACT’s director of experience, says the message is particularly relevant as elephant seals begin to appear in coastal areas.

“We are all part of the island we live in, with the weather, the landscape and the wildlife. And that’s what makes Tasmania so unique,” ​​she said.

“It’s a unique campaign and it has a humorous element to it and I think that’s important to help raise awareness and the important message we’re sending about protecting Tasmania’s wildlife.”

The ad features a CGI-animated seal named Finn, inspired by Neil the Seal, from the State.

It draws comparisons to similar damage caused by Neil and other seals in the past, including ramming cars and garage doors and destroying fences and mailboxes.

Wildlife biologist Sam Talman said it was extremely important to give the seals space.

“It’s a big, powerful, wild animal and the public really needs to give it space,” he said.

“Maintain a minimum distance of 50 to 20 meters. When seals are on land, they are usually there to rest.

“That being said, seals can sometimes interact with other members of the public and local infrastructure in coastal regions.”

He said it was impossible to predict when seals might appear, with fur seals, elephants and leopards all potential visitors to Tasmania’s shores.

“Tasmania’s wildlife is unique and special and we really need to protect it and be aware of it,” Talman said.

“By maintaining their wild behaviors, they have the best chance of survival.”

Drivers are encouraged to slow down to view wildlife at dusk and dawn and to watch out for marine mammals and seals in coastal areas.