Following recent reports of a playful seal being spotted in Southampton water, bitternepark.info can reveal that the critters have already made their way up the Itchen, and are now a common sight close to Cobden Bridge.

This sociable specimen can frequently be seen performing various aquatic stunts when the tide is high.

These fin-footed friends are certainly agile in the water – and perfectly adapted for diving into the Itchen from the footpath in order to retrieve a stick or ball thrown by a jovial passer by.

But stand well clear should they venture out of the river: they’re unlikely to bite, but you’ll surely get a shower when they shake!