The City of Cape Town (COCT) has urged the public not to attempt to feed seals or try and approach them after the city was informed of an incident on Strand Beach on Saturday, October 9.
According to a statement by the COCT, it was reported that a group of teenagers swam up to the seal to try and touch it and subsequently, one of the teenagers was bitten. The teenager then received medical treatment shortly after.
“The seal involved in the incident is now being monitored by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs (NDFFE). The monitoring is needed because the seal has become used to people due to various groups feeding it fish at Harbour Island and the Gordon’s Bay Harbour,” the statement said.
COCT’s plea:
- Seals are wild animals and should not be approached, or touched.
- Feeding wild animals habituate them to people which is harmful to the animal, as well as the public.
- No one should feed a seal.
- Seals in general do not pose a threat to people if left alone and not harassed.
- Respecting wildlife and giving them adequate space will ensure that we can share the natural environment with them.
- Should a seal approach you, you are advised to simply back away slowly and leave the animal alone.
Meanwhile, The NDFFE and the City will continue to work together, along with other partners to find a positive solution for this particular habituated seal.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery