Seal Bites: Essential Warning About ‘Nasty’ Blood Infection Risks
- People who get too close to seals risk a serious blood infection if they are bitten.
- The British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity warns about "seal finger," a condition caused by bacteria in the seals' mouths.
- This time of year is pupping season, and seals are visible along the coasts of Cornwall and Devon.
Seal Safety Warning
People who get too close to seals risk a serious blood infection if they are bitten. Experts recommend staying at least 100 meters (328 feet) away from seals. If you accidentally approach a seal, back away slowly.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity warns about “seal finger,” a condition caused by bacteria in the seals’ mouths. Louise Round, an advanced marine animal medic, describes it as a nasty infection that can result in finger loss. She urges anyone bitten by a seal to go to the hospital immediately.
Seals are wild animals, not like dogs or puppies. They may bite if approached. This time of year is pupping season, and seals are visible along the coasts of Cornwall and Devon. Round emphasizes the UK’s good fortune: it has 40% of the world’s seal population. However, worldwide, seals are rarer, and it’s essential to appreciate their presence and maintain a safe distance.