Seal euthanised after biting man

An aggressive seal was euthanised after it bit a man at Windmill Beach, says the City.

A family snorkelling at Windmill Beach encountered the seal at about 10am on Monday, says mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews.

The seal had initially tried to bite a yellow dive buoy and the family had decided to leave the water, but as they had swum to shore, the seal had bitten the man on his foot. He had been taken to hospital and been given advice on rabies treatment, said Mr Andrews.

The City’s coastal management branch had been alerted and had monitored the seal. The creature had stayed in the water at Windmill Beach, which had been closed to the public, throughout the day.

Mr Andrew said the seal had been euthanised at 3pm, in accordance with a City plan to manage rabies in seals, and the beach had been reopened on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) cautioned the public to never swim alone, use a tow float and safety whistle to increase visibility, keep fresh water and a first aid kit at hand for immediate and post-incident care, and report unusual or aggressive behaviour from seals.

Avoid contact with seals and comply with any beach closures or warnings issued by authorities, said NSRI spokesperson Crag Lambinon.

Even calm or sick-looking seals could be unpredictable and dangerous, he said.

Rabid seals could display aggression, disorientation, excessive drooling, or paralysis, and it was important to seek immediate medical attention if bitten, scratched or exposed to saliva from a seal, he said.

To report rabid seals or any unusual seal behaviour in Cape Town, call the City of Cape Town at 021 480 7700.