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: PixaBay

Done by: Mitchum George