A leopard seal hauled up on Penneshaw beach on Monday morning, October 11, prompting National Parks rangers to issue a warning to keep clear.

Signs and barricades were placed near the seal warning passers-by to keep a distance.

Leopard seals normally live in Antarctic waters and a rare sight in South Australian and Kangaroo Island waters.

They are fearsome predators that hunt penguins and other marine mammals, with a mouth full of large teeth.

This leopard seal appeared to be in relative good health, although rather emaciated but with no obvious injuries.

Leapord seals were known to haul up and rest on southern Australian beaches.

Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.

Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.

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