A SICK seal spotted swimming around Cabarita headland by residents has been removed by Sea World for treatment of a shark bite.

Locals flocked to the beachside on Tuesday afternoon following reported sightings of the pup seal since Monday.

Sea World Rescue was called to Norries Headland by volunteers from ORRCA and Australian Seabird Rescue, who monitored the seal overnight on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, a Sea World spokesman said the seal was transported by vehicle to the theme park at the Gold Coast about 10.30am.

Sea World veterinarian David Blyde assessed the seal and determined it was male juvenile New Zealand Fur Seal, about 18 months old, which had suffered a cookiecutter shark bite.

A Sea World spokesman said the seal was under the care of their veterinary and animal care staff at the marine park.

“He is significantly underweight and has suffered from a cookiecutter shark wound but we have placed him on antibiotics, fluids and a nutritional program,” the spokesman said.

Dr Blyde said such occurrences were not uncommon at this time of the year and more were expected in coming weeks.

“These younger seals have just been weaned from their mothers and their inexperience, coupled with extreme weather conditions, can result in getting caught in currents and floating north,” he said.

Before the seal was removed he caused a stir with locals, with many residents flocking to the beach to try to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous animal.

Kendyl Starr of Cabarita filmed the seal as it swam at Norries Headland on Tuesday at about 3pm.

“I was down there with my little boy and noticed something in the water,” Ms Starr said.

“There was a few people watching with us from the beach, but not a single person in the water,” she said.

“It was amazing. I’m there in my bikini enjoying the warm sun, I didn’t expect a seal this far north.”

The last time a seal was seen at Cabarita was about 2012.

That seal was also identified by Sea World as a fur seal from New Zealand, and was treated for dehydration and exhaustion before later being released.

Last week, an injured seal that washed up on a Gold Coast beach after being bitten by a cookiecutter shark died despite attempts by Sea World staff to save it.

The 10-month-old pup swam to shore about 7am after being attacked by the shark in front of Lavarack Rd at Nobby Beach.