Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - It has been reported that the seal euthanised at the Poort swimming area at The Point on Wednesday, 17 July tested positive for rabies.
Elize Goosen from the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) said the organisation had received an official report that the test was positive.
Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) spokesperson Val Marsh said she had reliably received the information that the seal tested positive on Friday and another source also confirmed the positive test results to Mossel Bay Advertiser.
A media query has been sent to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
A statement posted on the Garden Route SPCA's (GRSPCA) Facebook page on Wednesday noted that a member of the public had reported an "aggressive" seal.
Marsh had said that an assessment team of three S.M.A.R.T. volunteers, went to the scene. Louis Steyn of S.M.A.R.T. then contacted Marsh, who is also the incident controller.
The GRSPCA's statement noted that the seal was "observed exhibiting unnatural and aggressive behaviour".
Marsh said permission from the necessary department was granted, and with the necessary officials on the scene, the seal was euthanised at the spot.
The GRSPCA has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding wildlife on beaches.
A video posted on Coulson Art Photography's Facebook page and shared to the Mosselbaai op sy beste Facebook page on Wednesday showed the seal's aggressive behaviour. The video shows a seal jumping up and seemingly trying to bite a man and child crossing a small walkway over water at the Poort swimming area. The seal can also be seen furiously biting a rope hanging down from a rock at the Poort.
This is a developing story. An update will be provided as soon as more information is received.
To report any incidents, call the GRSPCA (044 693 0824) or S.M.A.R.T, (072 227 4715).
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