As the summer holiday season approaches, authorities are issuing a strong warning to the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid any engagement with Cape fur seals along the coast.
Recent reports indicate that rabies cases have been confirmed in seal populations, coupled with the inherent risks seals pose due to their potential to carry other diseases and their sharp teeth.
A press release issued this week from CapeNature, explicitly states that disturbing seals is illegal – this includes petting them, which disrupts their natural behaviour and exposes humans to dangers like bites, scratches, infections, and disease. Even in cases where a seal pup is found on a beach, the public is advised to avoid interaction and contact authorities who are trained and equipped for rescue and care.
While it is normal for seals to rest on beaches, beachgoers must be vigilant for signs of distress or abnormal behaviour. Seals may display aggression if they feel threatened, injured, or, critically, if infected with rabies.
Rabies is a fatal disease for both humans and unvaccinated animals, and can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or direct contact with saliva.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said: “As we approach the busy summer season, I remind everyone that Cape fur seals are wild animals. Even well-intentioned interactions can have serious consequences for both people and the animals. We urge the public to act responsibly, avoid contact, and immediately report any abnormal or aggressive seal behaviour to the authorities.”
TRAGIC INCIDENT
Swimmers and surfers are advised to be extra vigilant and exit the water immediately if a seal is spotted. Suspected rabies cases must be reported to lifeguards or municipal authorities.
This warning comes after a tragic incident reported more than two years ago concerning “Freddy”, a seal that frequented Strand Beach (“Seal succumbs to stress”, District Mail and Helderberg Gazette, 25 October 2023).
Freddy, despite gaining community affection, died from stress due to public harassment. The City of Cape Town reported that after enduring stones, sticks, dog attacks, and teasing, Freddy eventually bit a visitor. The City closed a portion of the beach to safely remove him, but he succumbed to stress during his transportation to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Lisa Starr of Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (HOAM) expressed devastation over Freddy’s death, noting the community’s anger at the harassment. “Please be conscious of your surroundings on the beach and never approach a resting seal,” Starr urged.
If you want to take a photo then use your zoom from 15 to 20 m away. Never chase a seal back into the water; they want to rest. They don’t want water poured on them either. Please see a seal as a wild animal.
RABIES RARE
She further clarified that seals are 70% land animals, coming ashore to rest, and advised staying at least 30 m away.
Starr, who monitors seals on local shores, noted that while rabies exists in the seal population, it appears rare, with very little research available. She also highlighted the issue of underweight or malnourished sealife due to food scarcity, which can lead to aggression as hypoglycemia sets in.
“If you are a water user, it’s advisable to get your rabies injection,” Starr recommended.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to harm or interfere with a seal. If a seal is exhibiting unusual behaviour like head shaking, eating stones, or aggression, contact the City on 021 480 7700, who will dispatch Coastal Management.”
According to CapeNature, in the event of a seal bite, scratch, or lick, immediate and stringent protocols must be followed:
– Beach closure: If a person is bitten or scratched in the water, the beach will be closed, marked by a shark siren and shark flag.
– Notification: Shark Spotters or lifeguards will inform CapeNature and the State veterinarian for guidance. Municipal Disaster Management and Marine Stranding Networks will also be alerted.
– Medical Attention: Anyone bitten, scratched, or licked by a suspect rabid seal must seek urgent medical care. The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes immediately. Inform hospital personnel that the injury is from a potentially rabid seal to ensure post-exposure prophylactic treatment against rabies.
– Reporting: Capture a video of the seal’s behaviour if possible and send it to CapeNature on 083 236 2924 with a location pin.
– For pets bitten or scratched by a seal, owners must consult their local vet, provide incident details and vaccination history. Pets should also undergo the same wound-cleaning protocol as humans. Rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats is a legal requirement.
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