A group of people were enjoying a swim in the ocean when they were joined by a ‘cute’ sea creature – but the interaction quickly turned sour as the animal started to attack them
Swimmers enjoying a dip in the ocean received quite a fright when an adorable marine animal approached them – but rather than the heartwarming wildlife encounter they anticipated the creature became aggressive and attempted to bite several of them.
Numerous individuals opt to spend time in coastal waters without encountering the vast array of marine life that inhabits these environments. Occasionally a meeting with wildlife does occur – although most conservation groups, charities, and specialists encourage and recommend that people maintain their distance and demonstrate respect towards all wild creatures and marine animals.
Recently holidaymakers relaxing on the shoreline were mesmerised after discovering a young seal close to the water’s edge before it started attacking swimmers and attempting to bite them. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter.
The incident was filmed and later posted across social media platforms, reports the Mirror. The footage opens with a woman recording the charming seal as it makes its way back towards the sea.
The woman can be heard remarking: “Aww, cutie” before the seal swiftly pivots towards a gentleman swimming in shallow water and attacks him with jaws wide open.
The creature then charged towards numerous other individuals, prompting many to scream, while onlookers from the beach yelled for them to “get out of the water”. After most people had vacated the water one woman remained with her back to the shore apparently oblivious to the seal lurking nearby.
Onlookers shouted warnings for her to exit the water and she could be seen spinning round in alarm as the creature approached and began to bite her.
The RSPCA advises: “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 below the footage viewers were eager to express their opinions. One individual remarked: “Gosh all that screaming and shouting. It’s their home for heaven’s sake.”
Another person commented: “I’m sorry but it looks funny as hell.” A third viewer added: “It’s her house!!!”.
Someone else declared: “Yes Human, OUT of his water!” whilst another wrote: “Seal said GTFO my house!”. Meanwhile, one user quipped: “Where is that seal’s mother? ! He needs a serious time out for NOT playing well with others.”