Teenager was bitten by a seal on Strand Beach
A teenager was bitten by a seal on Saturday at Strand Beach.
In a statement, the city of Cape town said 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 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 city said in a statement.
Capetonians needs to keep in mind that seals are wild
animals. They are not to be fed, neither should anyone try to approach or touch
them.
The
municipality reminded the public that:
· - 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 wild life 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
PICTURE: PixaBayDone by: Mitchum George
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