Seal surprise: Clifton Beach bathers get a wildlife shock [SEE]

Visitors at Clifton Beach in Cape Town got a bit of a surprise yesterday, after a seal attempted to bite a couple of swimmers.

By: Corné van Zyl

A seal recently attacked a child and a woman at Clifton beach in Cape Town.

WATCH THE ATTACK THAT TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY

According to information on social media, the attack happened on Tuesday.

The video starts with a seal swimming in the shallow waters with a woman saying: “Aaaah cute a seal.” Seconds later, the seal’s attention is on something /someone outside the camera frame.

It attacks a young child who is swimming. The seal can be seen trying to bite the child in the video.

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A YOUNG CHILD IS ATTACKED BY THE SEAL

Several people rush in to rescue the child. The lifeguard is heard blowing his whistle at the swimmers still in the water. Most of the swimmers are seen making their way back to the beach.

The seal is then seen swimming underwater in the direction of a young woman still swimming. It appears the seal attacks her and tries to bite her. More people rush in and assist the woman, who is then carried out of the water.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

The video ends with a man grabbing the seal and throwing it back in the water.

HERE IS HOW TO AVOID SEAL ATTACKS

The increasing proximity between people and seals in the wild is causing more seal bite incidents. As seals continue to habituate to humans, they are more likely to feel less afraid of humans. For instance, humans feeding seals can encourage them to approach boats or ports waiting for handouts. This has resulted in many incidents of seal injuries on boat propellers. Hence, humans should keep their distance from these wild animals.

Did you see it? Are you in the area and have photos or videos? We would love to see it. Please WhatsApp your photos to  060 011 0211.