Three tips linked to a “suspicious” marine mammal incident on an Australian tourist beach

Scattered across the golden sands of a picturesque Australian tourist destination, investigators have documented three disturbing clues that they believe could be linked to a shocking crime. A stick, dog paw marks and human footprints.

It is believed they may be linked to a violent incident involving a small fur seal at Lake Bunga Beach. The normally quiet stretch of coast lies at the start of Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria.

The young animal was originally spotted by a walker on September 17th resting on the edge of a dune and was reportedly in good health. After Zoos Victoria was called about the discovery, the group's Marine Response Unit committed to monitoring the seal's presence and condition over the next 24 hours.

Unfortunately, the animal's circumstances soon changed dramatically for the worse.

Related: Warning to locals after giant seal climbs out of Aussie River

Walker discovers three sinister clues surrounding the injured seal

When the hiker returned at 6 p.m. to take another look at the seal, he discovered that it was seriously injured. That's when they noticed the footprints surrounding the animal and a “large stick” that hadn't been there before.

An image provided to Yahoo News by Crime Stoppers Victoria shows a large gash under the animal's lip. The agency described the circumstances surrounding the seal as “suspicious” and urged anyone with information to come forward.

That's because the seal's injuries were worse than they originally appeared. Unfortunately, an X-ray by medical staff later revealed that his back was broken – an incurable injury that required him to be euthanized.

Walking within 30 meters of a seal on land can result in a maximum fine of $3,951, and those who intentionally harm them face fines of up to $49,397 or a prison sentence of Expect 12 months. If you have information about wildlife crime you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

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