The City of Cape Town has issued a reminder to the public to keep a safe and respectful distance from marine and coastal wildlife at all times after a seal bit beachgoers at Clifton Fourth Beach earlier this week. A video of the attack was widely circulated on social media yesterday, following Tuesday’s incident.
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“Residents are reminded to keep their distance from marine mammals and to not interfere with them,” said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews.
“Residents and visitors are encouraged to treat all marine and coastal wildlife with respect and to remove their pets from areas where wildlife may be present.”
“In the interest of the safety of beach users, as well as the animals, I want to kindly request residents and visitors to keep a safe and respectful distance from these animals.”
The public were reminded not to approach or try and get close to any marine and coastal wildlife.
”Their natural response will be to defend themselves and this may result in aggressive behaviour,” Andrews explained. “Always keep a respectful distance between yourself and any wildlife to reduce stress on the wildlife and move away if approached by wildlife.”
“Never try to touch, or pose with, any marine and coastal wildlife as this places both you and the wildlife at risk of potential harm.”
Dogs should also be kept under control and well away from all wildlife at all times.
“Remove pets immediately from any place where coastal wildlife are present.”
“Never try and feed any marine and coastal wildlife and don’t support the illegal feeding of wildlife for show, such as the seals at the fishing harbours. This is an illegal activity and must not be supported financially, or otherwise.”
In case of any injured, hurt, or coastal wildlife in distress, kindly contact the City at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or 107 from a landline. The appropriate response will be initiated to assist the animal. Members of the public are urged not to act on their own and without authority.
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