CapeNature is reminding South Africans to keep a safe distance from Cape fur seals and know what to do after a possible rabies exposure.
South Africa (28 September 2026) – Seeing a Cape fur seal anywhere along the coast is always a special sight. Whether it’s resting on a beach, perched on rocks or making its way through the water, seeing one of these animals in the wild can feel like a special coastal encounter.
But this World Rabies Day, CapeNature is reminding residents and visitors that the best way to enjoy that encounter is from a safe distance.
World Rabies Day falls on 28 September (that is today), and CapeNature is using the occasion to remind the public that Cape fur seals are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with people.
This is particularly important because rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline. By the end of 2025, at least 176 people had been bitten by seals. That doesn’t mean every seal on the beach is a danger. In fact, CapeNature stresses that most seals do not pose a threat to people.
Seals regularly come ashore to rest, so simply seeing one on a beach does not necessarily mean that the animal is sick or stranded. The safest thing to do is give it space.
“World Rabies Day is an important reminder that simple precautions can protect both people and wildlife,” said Mbulelo Jacobs, Executive Director: Conservation Operations at CapeNature.
“Cape fur seals are an important part of our coastal ecosystem, but they remain powerful wild animals. The safest response is to keep your distance, avoid any interaction and report concerning behaviour to the relevant authorities.”
So, what should you do if you see a seal?
The answer is surprisingly simple: leave it alone.
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A seal infected with rabies may display behaviours such as aggression, disorientation, unusual movement or an unusually low response to its surroundings. However, similar behaviour can also be caused by injury, illness or distress. In other words, it’s not up to beachgoers to figure out what’s happening. Instead, keep your distance and contact the relevant authorities.
If it is safe to do so, you can record the animal from a distance. A video, description and accurate location can help authorities assess the situation, but nobody should approach a seal to get better footage.
And yes, that means the perfect Instagram shot can wait.
What if you or your pet are bitten or scratched?
This is where quick action matters. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. Exposure can also occur if saliva contaminates a scratch or comes into contact with broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth.
If you have been bitten or scratched by a seal, or if seal saliva has come into contact with broken skin, your eyes, nose or mouth, CapeNature advises you to immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek urgent medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
- Clearly tell healthcare workers that the injury or exposure involved a seal that may have been infected with rabies.
- Follow all medical advice regarding rabies post-exposure treatment.
- Report the incident to the local municipality, lifeguards or relevant conservation authorities.
Pets need the same level of care.
Dogs and other animals should always be kept away from seals, whether the seal appears healthy, injured, sick or even dead. Pet owners are also encouraged to make sure their pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
If a pet has been bitten or scratched by a seal, or may have come into contact with seal saliva, owners should contact a private or state veterinarian immediately for advice.
Until veterinary guidance has been received, the animal should not be allowed to interact with people or other animals.
CapeNature says suspected cases or concerning seal behaviour can be reported on 083 236 2924.
Where possible, provide a description, an exact location and, if it can be obtained safely, video footage taken from a distance.
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