The best excuse EVER for being late for work

"Sorry traffic was terrible - got held up by an elephant seal."

In the panopoly of excuses for being late, an hour-long delay caused by a 10ft elephant seal has to be one of the best ones.

But that's exactly what happened in Brazil after the massive marine mammal - estimated to weigh more than half a tonne - took a wander out of the Atlantic Ocean and into the resort town of Balneario Camboriu, located in the southern state of Santa Catarina.

(ITNNews via YouTube)

Traffic was backed up for more than an hour after the seal - which had helpfully used a pedestrian crossing - decided it was staying put.

Police officers and firefighters splashed water on the beast to keep it comfortable during the incident on Saturday last, but apart from that there wasn't much they could do bar wait.

Locals said the animal returned to the water by itself. Eventually.

Should you ever find yourself in a similar situation - having your progress blocked by a bull elephant seal - here's our advice: Stay well away.

These guys can get pretty rowdy: