A 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal named Neil, the sole male visitor to Tasmania in recent years, has caused mayhem across southern coastal towns. His twice-yearly visits have resulted in property damage, including traffic bollards, signs, and fences. Neil's antics on land, such as picking fights with cars and disregarding barriers, have garnered him a TikTok following of 1.4 million, earning him the nickname of an anti-authoritarian hero among some. However, local authorities are concerned about the growing popularity of Neil, fearing it could lead to dangerous human-seal encounters. Kris Carlyon from Tasmania's Department of Natural Resources and Environment has urged fans to respect Neil's privacy and keep a safe distance, citing risks to both humans and seals. Officials are also concerned about the potential for a disastrous encounter between Neil and an admirer, which could force rangers into a risky operation to move him elsewhere. The authorities have asked the public not to reveal the town where Neil is currently residing. If Neil survives to adulthood, he could grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) long and weigh triple his current weight. However, approximately 90% of male elephant seals die before reaching a breeding age of around 10 years. The elephant seal's biannual return to the place of his birth for rest, fasting, and shedding fur is common among many species. What sets Neil apart is his solitary status as the only male elephant seal visiting Tasmania, with sub-Antarctic islands south of Tasmania being home to breeding populations of elephant seals. Females have been spotted ashore in Tasmania before but are not known to cause the same level of chaos as Neil. Experts believe that humans' past eradication of these animals may be contributing to their resurgence in areas where they were previously seen. The challenge now lies in finding a way for humans and Neil to coexist peacefully.