It is that time of year when beaches fill up, ice cream melts fast, and South Africans return to the sea for long, lazy days. As you pack your towel and sunscreen, add one more reminder to your list: do not get too close to Cape fur seals.
CapeNature has warned Western Cape beachgoers to keep their distance after a series of incidents and confirmed rabies cases in local seal populations. These whiskered creatures make our coastlines special, but they are wild animals. They can be unpredictable, territorial, and dangerous.
A wild animal, not a water dog
Cape fur seals often haul out on beaches to rest or warm up in the sun. They might look approachable, especially pups, but touching, feeding, or even standing too close puts you and the animal at risk. Seals have sharp teeth and powerful jaws. If they feel threatened, they can cause serious injury. Unlike a pet, a bite or scratch from a seal can carry diseases, including rabies.
Rabies is one of the most serious viral diseases. It is fatal for humans and unvaccinated pets if not treated at once. It spreads through saliva, usually from bites or scratches. Signs in animals include confusion, aggression, and erratic behaviour. If you spot a seal acting strangely, moving in circles, or showing no fear of humans, give it space and report it straight away.
It is against the law to interfere
Under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), it is illegal to disturb or handle a wild seal without a permit. That includes petting, feeding, or trying to “help” a seal pup on the beach. These well-meaning actions often cause stress or harm. If you think a seal is injured or stranded, call the professionals. CapeNature, local marine strandings networks, and the State Veterinarian can assess and care for these animals safely.
What to do in an emergency
If you, or someone near you, is bitten, scratched, or licked by a seal, wash the wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then go straight to the nearest hospital. Inform the medical staff that the injury was caused by a seal so that post-exposure rabies treatment can commence immediately. The same applies to pets. If your dog or cat is bitten or scratched, clean the wound and contact your vet. It is a legal requirement in South Africa for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies.
Play it safe. Enjoy the coast.
“Cape fur seals are wild animals; even well-intentioned interactions can have serious consequences for both people and the animals,” says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. “We urge the public to act responsibly, avoid contact, and report any abnormal or aggressive seal behaviour to the authorities.”
If you see a seal acting strangely, take a video from a safe distance and send it to CapeNature on 083 236 2924, along with a location pin. Lifeguards and shark spotters are briefed to report sightings and may close beaches temporarily if a seal behaves aggressively.
This summer, keep your curiosity in check. Enjoy seals basking on the rocks or diving through the surf. Admire from afar. Let them be wild and free, and everyone will have a safer, happier season by the sea.
