Bearded seal removed from airport after blocking runway

Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Animal control officers were called to an Alaska airport for an unusual runway obstruction: a 450-pound seal lounging on the tarmac.

Officials at Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport in Utqiagvik said North Slope Animal Control officers responded with a sled to remove the bearded seal spotted sunbathing in the middle of the runaway.

Airport worker Scott Babcock posted a photo and video of the seal to Facebook.

The photo was later shared on Tuesday by the Alaska Department of Transportation, which quipped pilots should beware of "low sealings" at the airport.

Officials said animals including polar bears, caribou and musk ox have previously been spotted on the runaway, but the big seal was a first.