WILDLIFE experts are baffled by the behaviour of a surfing seal which has made its way 50 miles up a river and managed to scale deep locks.

River dwellers at Linton-on-Ouse, in North Yorkshire, were stunned when they saw it riding the waves of the flooded waters.

The creature, dubbed Sammy the Surfing Seal, has already achieved celebrity status with locals.

It was first spotted on Saturday after making its way 50 miles up the River Ouse, entering the Humber from the sea, then on up the Ouse through Goole and York, scaling several locks - including the 15ft high Naburn Lock.

Ian Fuller, who owns Linton Loch caravan park, said: "At first I thought I was seeing things. I saw this seal which appeared to be surfing on top of the water.

"I thought it couldn't be a seal because we are just too far inland and there are a number of locks between us and the coast.

"It look like the flooded river has enabled him to make his way up the river and he's just surfing in on the fast moving water. He's become quite an attraction, I hope that he sticks around."

Robert Masheder, of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: "It seems likely that it would eventually turn around and go back to the Humber of its own volition."