A Victorian coastal community has been surprised after a large seal came ashore and smashed windows at the local petrol station before it was escorted back into the sea.
Vision circulating on social media showed a male southern elephant seal making its way across roads at Point Lonsdale, south-east of Geelong.
The Point Lonsdale BP confirmed the seal broke two windows during its antics on Friday.
Neo Ussawathawornthai, whose parents work at the service station, said the seal may have been trying to fight its reflection.
"It went to the big window and it smashed the window because I think it saw its reflection," the 12-year-old said.
"And it crawled towards the front of where the door is and broke that window as well.
"And then I think it shimmied back all the way to the sea."
The seal was guided back to sea by wildlife workers as police officers helped keep the crowd at a distance.
Some residents suspect seal is local legend Henry
Some local residents, including Bellarine MP Alison Marchant, identified the seal as Henry, who is known to frequent the area around Port Phillip Bay.
But other residents disputed that the Point Lonsdale seal was Henry, saying he had not been sighted for about 15 years.
"Henry was a frequent visitor to Pt Lonsdale and Geelong starting [in] the early 2000s," wrote one Instagram user.
"I used to volunteer to look after him when he was on land to keep him safe but I would say this is another curious seal."
University of Tasmania marine researcher Clive McMahon said the seal, which he estimated to be around six or seven years old, appeared to be in "excellent condition" based on the footage.
"For many seals this is the time when they come ashore for their annual moult," Dr McMahon said.
"At this time they lose and then replace all of their fur."
A spokesperson for Victoria's Conservation Regulator warned the public should stay at least 30 metres away from seals in land or water, or 50 metres if with a dog.
It is illegal to touch or feed a seal, with penalties including a potential fine of nearly $3,700.
