Risk of Severe Blood Infection from Seal Bites Highlighted

Experts caution that individuals who approach seals too closely face the danger of contracting a “nasty” blood infection if they are bitten by the animal. The RSPCA advises the public to maintain a distance of at least 100m (328ft) from seals whenever feasible, and to retreat slowly if they find themselves in close proximity. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity has issued a warning that those who are bitten by seals could develop a condition known as “seal finger.” Louise Round, an advanced marine animal medic affiliated with the charity, stated: “It’s a really nasty blood infection, it’s horrible. It could basically mean you lose the finger.” Ms Round recommended that individuals entering the water in the South West region maintain a safe distance from these animals. She elaborated, “They’re not like a dog or a puppy, you can’t just go up and stroke them and they’re going to appreciate that.” She further explained, “They are a wild animal not used to humans. If you get too close they are going to bite.” She clarified that “seal finger” results from necrotic bacteria present on the seals’ teeth. Her advice for anyone who sustains a seal bite is to seek hospital treatment without delay. The current period marks pupping season, leading to increased visibility of seals along various sections of the Cornwall and Devon coastlines. Ms Round commented: “They’re actually doing really well. We’re massively lucky in this country in that we have 40% of the world’s population around our coastline.” She continued, “The vast majority of that is around the south west coastline.” She added, “Globally they are a rare species so just because they’re doing quite well around here, globally they aren’t doing great.” Ms Round concluded, “So we really need to appreciate these animals and understand how lucky we are to get these glimpses of them and have them on our coastline.” For updates, follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram, or submit story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.