This in from Stephan Voight, BDMLR Assistant Area Coordinator for Marine Mammal MedicEd
Over the past weeks we have closely monitored local press releases and eye witness accounts regarding seal encounters on the Isle of Wight.
Unfortunately, people – including children – have been getting too close and trying to stroke, take pictures or hand feed seals, especially one seen regularly between Sandown and Ventor.
Seals are wild animals
We are concerned as not only is this bad for the animals, it could result in people being bitten and the transmission of very nasty infections.
However docile and friendly the animal may look, it is a wild animal and therefore unpredictable, especially when it is stressed by unwanted attention when it wants to rest on land – seals actually spend more time out of the water than in it.
Serious infection if bitten
The infection caused by a seal bite results in a serious and painful condition called ‘Seal Finger’. This affects the joints and if untreated may result in the need for amputation.
If anyone is bitten or scratched, they must seek immediate treatment however small the bite and as general antibiotics do not work, a course of Tetracyline is the only known cure currently.
Seals are mammals and other diseases can be transferred to humans and dogs quite easily, so contact should be avoided. This works the other way as well, as we can inadvertently transfer diseases to them through contact.
Keep your distance
Volunteers for British Divers Marine Life Rescue are trained on how to approach and handle marine wildlife to reduce the chance of harm to the animals and to themselves.
Unless an animal needs attention it should be left alone and observed from a safe distance that will not change its behaviour and observers should remain quiet and keep any dogs on a lead and away from the seal. This will allow you and others to enjoy the experience for longer without putting yourself, or the animal at risk.
For more information, please see our Website
Image: usfwsnortheast under CC BY 2.0
