Seals are very cute, but only from afar – one should avoid getting near them as they are very dangerous; the NSRI has issued a safety warning after several seal-related incidents were reported recently.
Cape Town, South Africa (04 January 2023) – A terrifying moment was caught on camera yesterday, the 3rd of January 2023, when a seal pup bit a child and an adult at Clifton’s 4th beach. The seal had drawn in excited onlookers and while attempting to get back to the ocean, it fearfully lashed out at the people nearest to it.
The video footage has since gone viral which has led to public comment and some outcry. The NSRI and the City of Cape Town (CoCT) released a statement urging beachgoers to avoid approaching seals or other marine wildlife. The case is being investigated by the Department of Environment and local marine scientists. The SPCA was called out, however the seal pup had already swum off to safety by the time they arrived. The two bite victims were treated by the CoCT lifeguards for bite wounds.
The NSRI confirmed that reports of similar incidents involving aggressive seals took place in Hout Bay and Yzerfontein and in recent months at Fish Hoek Beach and at Noordhoek too. It is this that has led to the NSRI issuing a safety warning to the public.
NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson also added to the comments, sharing that seal bites are incredibly dangerous due to high risk of infection.
“Patients bitten by a seal should seek immediate professional medical attention from their doctor or at a hospital emergency room. Bite wounds from seals become severely infected and require thorough cleaning. Wounds of this nature should not immediately be stitched closed and the patient should be prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics. Without professional medical care, [cases] result in significant infection”
Dr Robertson went on to encourage beachgoers to avoid seals and to call the authorities should a seal become a problem.
“We are appealing to bathers and paddlers to stay clear of seals and avoid marine animals in their environment.
Anyone encountering an aggressive seal should stay clear and call the SPCA and Police or CoCT Law Enforcement officers.”
This public safety warning is as much for us humans, as it is for the seals. So let’s all stay safe, by giving wildlife a bit of space.
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