People warned: “Do not approach. Seals can bite…”
With millions enjoying Portugal’s many beaches this month, the municipality of Cascais has been hosting a rather unusual visitor – a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) which appeared in at least two locations – Fisherman’s beach in Cascais central, and further along the coast near the Monte Estoril boardwalk.
Since then, he/ she has bobbed up again in Oeiras as authorities warn people “do not approach”. Seals may look harmless and playful, but they will bite if they feel threatened.
RALVT, the Lisbon and Tejo Valley strandings network, asks people to contact their alert number (911 111 241) and send coordinates, photographs and/ or videos of the seal.
Right now, there is no suggestion that the seal needs help. He/ she doesn’t appear to be ‘stranded’ or out of sorts: simply doing what most of the holidaymakers are doing, enjoying the water and taking every day as it comes.
RALVT gives the following advice to anyone spotting the seal, or any other unusual animal for that matter (like the dolphin that was seen in Lagoa, Algarve, early yesterday, which did need help, see below)
1️⃣ Keep your distance. Although they look harmless, they can bite if they feel threatened
2️⃣ Observe its behaviour. If it is active and breathing normally, it may just be resting. Don’t approach it and avoid disturbing it
3️⃣ If it’s in the Lisbon and Tejo Valley region, contact the LVT Stray Network:
+351 911 111 241 (Phone/WhatsApp) or ralvt.pt/report/arrojamento
For other regions, here are the contacts https://www.icnf.pt/…/mamiferos/cetaceos/arrojamentos
4️⃣ Provide details:
Photos of the animal (whole body, head and fins)
Reference object for size
Exact location, preferably with coordinates
5️⃣ Raise awareness and share! Correct information guarantees safety for everyone.
#Arrojamento #animalprotection
Meantime in Lagoa, Maritime Police were called around 11am today to a dolphin in difficulties among rocks in the water by Senhora da Rocha beach.
With the help of local people, the animal was safely ‘returned to its habitat’.
As commentators over social media have been concluding, “this week we have had three unexpected visitors: a seal in Cascais, a shark in Comporta and killer whales in front of Lagoa de Albufeira”. All of this suggesting the warmer than usual water temperatures are attracting a new kind of wildlife. ND
Sources: SIC Notícias/ noticiasaominuto/ Facebook
