Lambing time on Mauao | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

As the evening light lasts longer, daffodils are in bloom, and winter seems to be losing its grip, lambs are starting to be born on Mauao.

The first arrived last week - prompting park ranger Mark Ray to welcome the start of one of the most attractive seasons on the mountain, and also issue warnings for those heading along to enjoy it.

"I've already had reports of people chasing lambs and sheep," he says.

It is something that can cost lives. As well as scaring the animals, it can mean a lamb and its mother are separated and, unless they are reunited, the lamb could well die.

Chasing or scaring a pregnant ewe can cause it to miscarry.

Ewes are free to roam the 30ha of pasture on the mountain, to give them plenty of opportunity to find a quiet spot to give birth.

The normal population of around 200 ewes will eventually be boosted by anything up to 150 lambs.

In a couple of weeks, the pastures will be thronging with lambs which, by that time, will be putting on a show frolicking and gambolling in the spring sunshine.

Up at McLaren Falls Park, plenty of lambs have already been born, and the same words of warning are in place.

However, the lambs are not the only attractions on Mauao to look forward to in the coming weeks. The kowhai trees near the water tower are beginning to bloom.

These will attract large numbers of tui and there is also the chance of seeing seals with their young resting on the rocks between the base track and the ocean.

This possibility, too, comes with a warning from Mark who says people should look from a distance.

He says people need to be aware that seals are dangerous. They are wild animals and can - and will - bite if they feel threatened.

Even on rocks, seals can move surprisingly quickly over a distance of 3-4m.

People should be particularly wary if a seal has a pup and must be careful not to get between the two.

Pups are weaned and left to fend for themselves after about six weeks.

While they might still call for their mother after that time, people should only call DOC if a seal is obviously in difficulty or is visibly harmed.

Anyone who believes a sheep or lamb is in distress should call Tauranga City Council on 577 7000.