Susannah Toland was walking her dog when she spotted a well-fed seal relaxing on the ramp of Prehen Boat House.

The seal appears to be revelling in the limelight of its newly-found fame after being pictured in this week's Foyle News.

The giant mammal has become a well-known character to users of the river who have been amazed at its inquisitive and friendly nature.

"I was walking my dog when I saw this seal at the boat house, said Susannah.

"I went to see how close I could get to it and was amazed at how close I got. It seemed totally content to be sitting there.

"I have only ever saw them on TV so I was elated to get up close and personal!"

The Lough's Agency confirmed this week that they are aware of three seals that have taken up residence near population centres along the river.

One seal, believed to the one pictured, has been living near Prehen Boat house four weeks, another is living beside the pontoon at Derry City Council's offices and a third has been spotted nesting at Greencastle pier.

An agency spokesman said that there could be hundreds or even thousands of seals living in the River Foyle and that their numbers were a sign of the river's healthy fish stocks.

And it looks like this big fellah is taking full advantage.