Beachgoers were left stunned when a seemingly “cute” sea creature turned aggressive and attempted to bite them, with many told to “get out of the water”. Despite the idyllic setting, many people forget the ocean is home to countless marine species.
Encounters with nature are sometimes inevitable, but wildlife organisations, charities and experts consistently advise individuals to maintain their distance and show respect to all wild animals and sea creatures.
Recently, sunbathers were left in awe after spotting a baby seal near the water’s edge, only for it to start lunging at people in the sea and attempting to bite them.
The incident was caught on camera and subsequently shared on social media. The video begins with a woman filming the adorable seal as it makes its way back into the water.
The woman can be heard exclaiming “aww, cutie”, before the seal swiftly turns towards a man swimming in the shallows and lunges at him with an open mouth.
The animal then raced towards several other people, causing many to scream while those on the shore shouted for them to “get out of the water”.
Once the majority of beachgoers had retreated from the sea, a woman was spotted with her back to the shore, seemingly oblivious to the seal lurking in the water. Onlookers shouted at her to exit the water and she appeared visibly shocked as the creature approached and began to nip at her.
The RSPCA states: “Wild seals are an amazing sight to see, but it’s really important to leave them alone and not get too close.
“Disturbing seals when they’re on beaches can mean they can’t sleep or digest their food properly, or mothers and pups could be separated from each other. It’s also dangerous for people or dogs to get too close to them, as seals have a painful bite.”
In the comments section beneath the video, viewers were eager to share their opinions. One person said: “Gosh all that screaming and shouting. It’s their home for heaven’s sake.”
Another commented: “I’m sorry but it looks funny as hell.”
A third person shared: “It’s her house!!!”
Yet another said: “Yes Human, OUT of his water!” And another added: “Seal said GTFO my house!”
While one person humorously suggested: “Where is that seal’s mother?! He needs a serious time out for NOT playing well with others.”
One Facebook user warned: “Getting bit by a sea lion is cross between a pitbull, German shepherd, and rottweiler. They can do some major damage.”
But another confessed: “Well I’ll be drowned. Call me a chew toy because I couldn’t resist the cuteness.”