The internet’s favourite elephant seal’s latest onshore adventure has come with a hefty price tag, with council revealing the cost of managing crowds, traffic and repairing the damage caused by the popular animal.

Neil the Seal captured hearts while causing chaos around Hobart, Tasmania, left behind an estimated $31,540.53 bill after spending 34 nights around Clarence, including 15 nights at Seven Mile Beach and 19 at Goats Beach.

But Clarence City Council says Neil has already settled the account.

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A mock tax invoice addressed to “Neil the Seal” credits him with “tourism ambassador services, national media exposure, community joy, countless social media interactions, thousands of photos, and exceptional cuteness”, leaving a balance due of $0.

It says the payment was made through “tourism promotion, community smiles and one unforgettable visit”.

Most of the cost wasn’t from damage but from managing crowds and traffic, with council staff clocking up 275.5 hours during Neil’s stay.

The physical damage itself was limited to one flattened street sign, 10 knocked-over bollards and one crushed section of fence, with replacement materials estimated at about $1,297.70.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the relatively small repair bill shouldn’t distract from the bigger issue.

“Neil is a wild animal and the over exposure and constant public attention he received could have led to a more dramatic outcome,” Blomeley said.

“Wherever he decides to come ashore next, I hope he is given the space and time he needs.”

Neil the seal causes traffic chaos in Tasmania again Credit: 7NEWS

The unwitting social media star has won hearts around the world with his antics. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP

Neil Seal exhibited some riotous behaviour in Tasmania before his most recent departure. Credit: AAP

The City of Clarence has jokingly appealed to the public for the social media sensation’s email address after tallying up the cost of his weeks-long suburban holiday.

“Quick question... does anyone have Neil the Seal’s email? We’re trying to let him know that his bill has been settled...” the council posted on Facebook.

Neil became an unlikely celebrity during his latest visit, delighting locals by napping on roads, blocking traffic, flattening traffic infrastructure and generally behaving like the oversized teenager wildlife experts say he is.

The 1,000kg southern elephant seal was born on the Tasman Peninsula in 2020 and has become known for his annual visits to suburban Tasmania, where his antics have earned him a devoted online following.

The one-tonne teen elephant seal was practising the dominant behaviours that he will need to master before competing for breeding grounds as an adult. Credit: AAP

Neil attempts to crush car in Tasmanian petrol station. Credit: Supplied

Wildlife experts say Neil’s behaviour is completely normal for a young male elephant seal, who would usually be roughhousing with other juveniles as he grows into adulthood.

Authorities repeatedly urged the public to stay at least 20 metres away after crowds gathered daily to watch him, warning the powerful marine mammal could seriously injure someone if startled.

Neil’s latest Tasmanian visit came to an end earlier this month when he returned to the ocean. 

He was born on the Tasman Peninsula in 2020 after his mother is believed to have become lost while travelling to the Macquarie Island elephant seal colony.

Still a juvenile, he is not expected to breed for at least another five years and is expected to continue making annual visits to Tasmania before eventually heading further south to breed.