Cape fur seal safety remains important this World Rabies Day
On World Rabies Day (28 September), CapeNature is reminding residents and visitors to keep a safe distance from Cape fur seals and to act immediately if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or exposed to a seal’s saliva.
Rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline and by the end of 2025, at least 176 people had been bitten by seals. While most seals do not pose a threat to people, they are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with humans.
Seals regularly come ashore to rest, and the presence of a seal on a beach does not necessarily mean that it is sick or stranded. Members of the public should give the animal space, keep children and pets away and allow trained authorities to assess the situation if assistance appears necessary.
A seal infected with rabies may behave aggressively, appear disoriented, move unusually or show little response to its surroundings. However, unusual behaviour can also result from injury, illness or distress. People should therefore not attempt to diagnose, move or assist a seal themselves.
World Rabies Day is an important reminder that simple precautions can protect both people and wildlife. Cape fur seals are an important part of our coastal ecosystem, but they remain powerful wild animals. The safest response is to keep your distance, avoid any interaction and report concerning behaviour to the relevant authorities.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. Exposure may also occur through scratches contaminated with saliva or when saliva comes into contact with broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a seal, or whose broken skin, eyes, nose, or mouth has come into contact with seal saliva:
- Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek urgent medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
- Clearly tell healthcare workers that the injury or exposure involved a seal that may have been infected with rabies.
- Follow all medical advice regarding rabies post-exposure treatment.
- Report the incident to the local municipality, lifeguards or relevant conservation authorities.
If it is safe to do so, members of the public may record the seal’s behaviour from a distance. A video, description and accurate location pin can assist authorities in assessing the situation. No one should approach the seal to obtain footage.
Dogs and other pets must be kept away from seals, whether the seal appears healthy, sick, injured or dead. Pet owners are also encouraged to ensure that their dogs and cats have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
If a pet has been bitten or scratched by a seal, or may have been exposed to seal saliva, the owner should contact a private or state veterinarian immediately for advice. The animal should not be allowed to interact with people or other animals until veterinary guidance has been received.
Members of the public are reminded to:
- Remain a safe distance from seals on beaches, rocks, harbours and in the water.
- Never touch, feed, pet, chase or attempt to move a seal.
- Keep dogs under control and away from seals.
- Leave the water calmly if a seal behaves aggressively or approaches repeatedly.
- Follow the instructions of lifeguards, conservation officials and municipal authorities.
- Report seals displaying aggressive, disoriented or otherwise concerning behaviour.
By respecting wildlife and responding quickly to possible exposure, coastal residents and visitors can help reduce the risk to people, pets and Cape fur seals.
Suspected cases or concerning seal behaviour can be reported to CapeNature at 083 236 2924. Where possible, include a description, video taken from a safe distance and the exact location.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
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