Wellington, New Zealand - New Zealand police came to the rescue of a seal that was trying to cross a busy road. Officers helped the perplexed pinniped pup get safely back into the water, they said on Monday.

The police said locals spotted the slightly soggy marine mammal "dangerously" crossing Hutt Road in Wellington, New Zealand, on Sunday afternoon.

The creature then tried to get back to the water. Police and Department of Conservation officials jumped into action to make sure the seal got back unharmed.

"The pup appeared grateful for the assistance," a police statement added.

Environment and Climate Nor'easter continues to lash East Coast with punishing rain and wind

"Our staff were able to uplift the seal and drive it to a safe place where it was released into the water," Senior Sergeant Miriam Bentley from Wellington Police said.

"This was collaborative problem-solving which prevented any further issues for the young seal and for road users."

"When I joined police 15 months ago, they said to be ready for anything, so I guess this demonstrates that's true!" said Constable Taylor, who escorted the pup.

The seas around New Zealand are populated with multiple species of seals, which do occasionally wander ashore.

The Department of Conservation reported this weekend a 200% increase in sightings on land around Wellington, local media said, describing it as "seal silly season."

Police urged the public to alert them to more runaway seals and not attempt to intervene themselves.