A resident discovered a rare spotted seal on the shore of Juehua Island in northern China's Xingcheng City.

Video filmed on February 16 shows a spotted seal lying on a rock and making noises like speaking to the resident named Xiao.

Xiao was heard saying: "A spotted seal is seen at Juehua Island in Xincheng City, Liaoning Province. It is shedding its fur."

The seal then turned its head to Xiao and made some noises before moving towards him.

Xiao asked: "Are you asking for help from me? Do you want to go back into the sea?"

According to reports, the spotted seal is listed as a nationally endangered animal in the country.

Xiao said it is rare to see a spotted seal and the last time he saw one was in 2001.

Local fisheries and agricultural departments have already arrived on the island to rescue the spotted seal. It will then be transferred to the Dalian Wildlife Rescue Center for further care.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

2月16日，辽宁兴城觉华岛岸边现国家一级保护动物斑海豹。当地居民肖先生表示，发现的这头斑海豹正在脱毛阶段，状态良好，也不怕人。肖先生介绍，很少有人能看到斑海豹，他上次见到还是2001年，只有在当下这个季节才可能遇到，比较罕见。
公开信息显示，辽东湾是斑海豹繁殖区的最南端，1至3月正值繁育期。属地菊花街道办事处工作人员表示，相关渔业、农业部门已经登岛将斑海豹救起，后续会将这头班海豹移交至大连野生动物救助站。