Seals are not out to attack kayaks, canoes or SUPs so there is no need to panic. Seals are very curious animals and will look to investigate unfamiliar situations. So just enjoy and cherish this incredible moment.
What to do if a seal approaches you?
Always let seals make the first move – let them approach you. Sit back, wait quietly and observe. Aim to stay calm and move slowly to avoid spooking the seals and provoking an aggressive response. Be confident that seals are generally gentle creatures unless they feel threatened.
Will Harbour seals attack humans?
Do harbor seals attack people? Yes, harbor seals, like many other seals, have been known to attack people.
Are seals aggressive to humans?
Most seals are not known to be aggressive. Seal attacks on humans are rare, but they have happened. Seals, especially in their natural habitat, are often timid and would not initiate an attack out of anywhere. Yet, when they feel threatened or provoked, they can bite as an act of self-defense.
Are seals friendly to humans?
Seals are curious about humans. They also probably want to come up on the beach, and are waiting for people to leave. Wild seals are not friendly with humans.
Do seals tip kayaks?
It’s not uncommon for seals and their larger kin to approach boats to see what’s going on. Seals are known to frolic under a kayak, arching from side to side under the boat, paddle tip to paddle tip.
Is it OK to swim with seals?
Can you swim with Seals? Of course! With respect for the seals and their environment, it is a truly special experience to witness the way seals move underwater. While pups love swimming and playing with divers and snorkelers, it is important to keep a respectful distance from adult sea lions.
Can a seal bite off your hand?
No, they cannot. They only use their teeth for catching prey. Pinniped bites will, however, leave scars, and you could potentially contract seal finger. Seal finger, if left untreated, will render the affected appendages unusable.
Do seals get hit by boats?
The types of vessels documented in vessel strikes include large boats, such as cargo ships, whale-watching boats, ferries, and military vessels, and all manner of private watercraft used for commercial and recreational purposes. Most reported collisions involve large whales, seals, or sea lions.
Do seals attack scuba divers?
Yes, sea lions (and even harbor seals) are known to bite… both in play and in aggression. I remember when I was working on an eco-cruise liner diving at Los Islotes off La Paz, Mexico.
Is it OK to touch seals?
How are seals protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act? It is against the law to touch, feed, or otherwise harass seals. Harassment occurs when your behavior changes their behavior.
Will seals bite you?
Like our cherished Assateague ponies, seals are large wild animals and can be extremely dangerous. They will bite – and serious infections can be transmitted to you or your pet.
Why do seals jump on boats?
Sometimes when you’re out boating, a seal jumps into your boat to avoid a violent death at the fins of a marauding pack of killer whales.
Can you approach a wild seal?
Stay a safe distance away (150 feet, 45 meters, or four school bus lengths), keep your pets leashed, and call your local stranding response organization to speak with a marine mammal responder about the sighting. Some seals may be in need of intervention and some seals may just be taking a rest on shore.
What do you do if a sea lion approaches you?
Stay at least 10 m from them, 20 m if you’re with your dog (always on lead). Sea lions are confident with humans. Don’t run away from them. Back off slowly if you’re too close, and avoid direct eye contact.
Are seals aggressive to kayakers?
Seals are not out to attack kayaks, canoes or SUPs so there is no need to panic. Seals are very curious animals and will look to investigate unfamiliar situations. So just enjoy and cherish this incredible moment.
Are sea lions aggressive to kayakers?
There are videos galore on YouTube of seals and sea lions climbing aboard kayaks. However, we must remember that these animals, while cute and intelligent, are still wild creatures capable of inflicting a nasty bite or capsizing a kayak.
How likely is a kayak to flip?
The short answer is no. Most kayaks—especially those built for new kayakers—are designed with stability in mind, so they’re not likely to capsize for no reason. That said, kayaks can flip over if you lose your balance or paddle in very windy conditions.
Are seals aggressive to swimmers?
Whilst they are strong and powerful with huge teeth these are highly unlikely to be used aggressively towards you – playfully yes, but even then they can be incredibly gentle.
How common are seal attacks?
Although rare, there are a few records of adult leopard seals attacking humans. There has also been one fatality, when a researcher was snorkelling in Antarctic waters and was killed by a leopard seal.
How far should you stay away from a seal?
As a rule of thumb, stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) from seals. A curious seal pup might approach on its own, but the mother is likely to be nearby, and may see your interaction as a threat. No selfies with seals!