This frame grab from handout video footage by Laura Ellen taken on April 10, 2026 shows traffic along a road in the seaside Australian town of Dromana, located south of Melbourne in the southern state of Victoria, that was briefly diverted after a local seal decided to take a nap. (Photo: AFP)
Seal causes traffic diversion in Australian town of Dromana
Traffic was briefly diverted in the Australian town of Dromana on April 10, 2026, after a seal was found sleeping on a local road.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the common presence of marine wildlife along the Victorian coast and the protocols for managing human-animal interactions.
Key Points
- A seal known as Sammy blocked a road in Dromana, Victoria, prompting police to set up traffic cones.
- Wildlife rescuers successfully redirected the animal back to the beach.
- State regulations prohibit the public from touching or feeding seals found along the coast.

International News, Latest News
April 10, 2026
Sleepy seal diverts traffic in Australian seaside town
SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — Traffic in a seaside Australian town was briefly diverted on Friday when a local seal decided to take a nap on the road.
The dozy pinniped was spotted snoozing on a road in Dromana in the southern state of Victoria.
Local police placed cones around the seal — known to some locals as Sammy — who could be seen sunning himself with little concern for the traffic.
“You don’t know where he will pop up next,” local Laura Ellen, who spotted the slumbering animal, told AFP.
“He usually sleeps all day,” she said.
“It made me laugh when I saw him on the road. Haven’t seen him do that before.”
The seal was later redirected back to the beach by wildlife rescuers and the lane was re-opened.
Seals are a common sight along Victoria’s coast and it is illegal to touch or feed them, the state government says.
Source Verification
Corroboration Score: 1This story was independently reported by 1 sources. Click any source to read the original article.

