Two individuals, including a 56-year-old man and a young adult whose age and gender remain unknown, were reportedly attacked by seals on Saturday, 5 October at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Seal death at Muizenberg Beach raises concerns over animal welfare
The Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) reported that the two attacks occurred an hour apart, though it’s unclear if the same seal was involved, the George Herald reports.
Both victims are being treated at Life Bay View Private Hospital for their wounds and are receiving rabies prophylaxis.
Four seals in the Mossel Bay area have been confirmed rabies cases since July and were euthanised.
Authorities are concerned about public safety, as these infected seals could pose a rabies risk to the public.
This incident occurred a day after another seal was reportedly killed by people who mistakenly believed it had rabies.
Since May, a total of 24 confirmed cases of rabies have been recorded in Cape Fur Seals.
Earlier this year, the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) reported a sharp rise in injured Cape fur seals.
The organisation adds that this is the 3rd seal that’s been found hurt or dead at Surfers Corner in the past 5 months.
‘It is very important to note that it’s highly unlikely that rabies can survive in water and only a small percentage of seals have been found positive,’ the organisation stated in a recent Facebook post.
‘More research needs to be done as very little is known about the disease in marine mammals.’
HBSRC urges the public to avoid seals, warning that feeding or harming them is illegal.
It is advised that the public remember to stay at least 20 metres away and call the non-profit organisations if concerns arise.
If you witness a seal displaying unusual or aggressive behaviour, report it to the relevant authorities:
- Cape of Good Hope SPCA: 021 700 4158/9
- City of Cape Town: 021 480 7700
- CapeNature: 083 236 2924 (West Coast and Overberg)
- Table Mountain National Park: 021 783 0234
Also read:
Rabies blamed for increase in Cape fur seal attacks on city beaches
Picture: Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre / Facebook
