A relatively quiet week with only two calls requiring a physical response — neither resulting in any live animal interaction. Both incidents, however, highlight how much public education work remains to be done around seal behaviour. The week’s other notable item is an update on storm damage at Diaz Beach, where a 2km stretch has been closed indefinitely.
Incident 1 — Reported Live Seal, Beach (Unspecified)
📍 Location: Beach (unspecified) 📅 Date: Thursday 21 May 👤 Responders: Ursula
- A caller reported that children were kicking a seal on the beach. She was insistent the animal was alive, having heard it grunt.
- Ursula responded and found a long-dead, decomposing seal carcass. Whatever sound the caller heard, it did not come from the seal.
🦦 Outcome: No live animal. Carcass only. The mystery grunt remains unexplained — but the seal had very definitely left the building.
Incident 2 — Seal Acting Strangely, Glentana
📍 Location: Glentana 📅 Date: Friday 22 May 👤 Responders: Michelle
- Three separate callers reported a seal behaving strangely at Glentana. Anglers on the beach had attempted to chase it back into the water, but it kept hauling out.
- Michelle responded. By the time she arrived, approximately 30 minutes later, there was no seal to be found.
🦦 Outcome: Seal not located on arrival. Likely returned to the sea. A seal repeatedly hauling out may simply be resting — not distressed. Chasing it back into the water is the wrong response and can cause real harm.
Public Awareness — The Message Bears Repeating
- Both incidents this week involved members of the public either interfering with or misidentifying a seal — kicking a carcass and chasing a live animal into the water.
- The message remains as urgent as ever: stay well away from all seals. Do not approach, touch, chase, or attempt to assist. Call SMART and let trained volunteers assess the situation.
📢 Reminder: If you see a seal on the beach — alive or dead — do not approach it. Keep people and dogs away. Call SMART. Given confirmed HPAI and rabies cases this season, public contact with seals poses a genuine health risk.
Update — Storm Damage, Diaz Beach
- Following the recent severe storms, a 2km section of Diaz Beach has been closed to the public by the Municipality for an undetermined period. Severe damage to access steps and significant dune erosion have necessitated the closure.
- SMART volunteers will retain access from the Hartenbos side should a response in that area be required. It will, however, be a considerable walk — we hope it does not come to that!
🚧 Access Note: Diaz Beach (2km section) closed to the public until further notice. SMART retains emergency access via Hartenbos. Duration of closure unconfirmed.
Till next week — keep well and be happy. 🐾