Another Cape fur seal spotted in Amanzimtoti
The Cape fur seals’ natural habitat is the cold waters on the Western Cape and Northern Cape coastlines, but they might find themselves in unfamiliar waters while following shoals of fish, which are their main diet.
A YOUNG Cape fur seal was spotted at Amanzimtoti’s Inyoni Rocks taking a nap on November 6, sparking curiosity among residents.
Also read: What to do if you find a stranded seal
After photos of the juvenile visitor, who was a long way from home, started making the rounds on social media, some commented that it had been in the area for a few days already. It spent most of its time in Amanzimtoti resting on the rocks and periodically taking dips in the water. It seemed to be in good health and did not show any signs of distress.
The Cape fur seals’ natural habitat is the cold waters on the Western Cape and Northern Cape coastlines, but they might find themselves in unfamiliar waters while following shoals of fish, which are their main diet. In June, another lost seal puppy found itself in Amanzimtoti before it was rescued.
Councillor André Beetge advised onlookers to keep their distance and not try to approach it.
“Although it might appear very nice and cuddly, it remains a temperamental and dangerous wild animal. We trust that it will soon take to the sea again to start its migration back to colder waters,” said Beetge.
According to the Institute for Communicable Diseases, a rabies outbreak within Cape fur seal populations was confirmed earlier this year.
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