Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management Branch has installed signage at the Dalebrook tidal pool, situated between St James beach and Kalk Bay, warning visitors to keep a respectful distance from wildlife – especially the Cape Clawless Otter.
This signage follows posts on social media where visitors were cuddling and handling a Cape Clawless otter at the tidal pool.
The signage warns visitors to keep a respectful distance from marine wildlife at all times as habituating animals holds dire consequences, and places both the public and animals at risk.
Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews, said: “We were disturbed to see these posts, showing multiple bathers holding and cuddling a Cape Clawless otter at the Dalebrook tidal pool.
“The posts surfaced on social media platforms on Sunday, October 30, 2022. I want to remind all visitors to our coastline and coastal amenities that the habitation of wildlife is illegal, and that this always leads to a tragic outcome where somebody gets hurt and the animal is often euthanised. This is a situation we want to avoid at all costs.”
The City further warned that while Cape Clawless otters may look cute, they are predators and are unpredictable, like all wild animals.
“Habituating these animals will lead to injury. Bites from otters and other wild coastal animals such as seals, can cause severe sepsis,” it said.
The new signage was installed at the Dalebrook tidal pool on Monday.
The City’s Coastal By-law requires that the public keep a safe and respectful distance from marine and coastal wildlife at all times, and to remove their pets from areas where they encounter any wildlife. The by-law also makes provision for the City to act against those who intentionally or negligently interfere with any marine and coastal wildlife.
The public is reminded to adhere to the following safety tips:
- Do not approach or try and get close to any marine and coastal wildlife. Their natural response will be to defend themselves and this may result in a bite
- Always keep a respectful distance between yourself and any wildlife to reduce stress on the wildlife. Move away if approached by wildlife
- Never try and touch, or pose with, any marine and coastal wildlife. This places both you and the wildlife at risk of potential harm
- Keep dogs under control by keeping them on a leash and well away from all wildlife at all times. Remove pets immediately from any place where coastal wildlife is present
- Never try and feed any marine and coastal wildlife
- Do not support the illegal feeding of wildlife for show, such as the seals at the fishing harbours. This is an illegal activity and must not be supported financially, or otherwise.
In case of any injured, hurt, or coastal wildlife in distress, contact the City on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or 107 from a landline.
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