Poisoned fish spark seal attacks on humans

Poisoned fish spark seal attacks on humans

Source: dailymail

1/16/2023

Scientists have blamed poisoned fish on a spate of seal attacks against humans in South Africa, including one on American actress Loulou Taylor.

Several unprovoked attacks have been reported in Cape Town. In the one involving Taylor, the animal had just chased and mauled a boy playing in the shallows.

A previous attack was reported by a woman on a different beach on the Cape Peninsula where she was chased and pounced on, while a spearfisherman has said he was left with bite marks when a seal attempted to drag him into deep water.

The series of incidents prompted baffled scientists to investigate the cause of the attacks from animals which typically do not target humans. Seals will generally not initiate aggression towards humans, unless seriously provoked.