A Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) was spotted by swimmers on Halos beach in the southern part of Kythira on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, according to a report on the website. Adelin FM. It is a large adult male seal with wounds on its neck and tail (hind flippers) that was immobilized for several hours on land.
Wounds of conflict, signs of the times
Kythera.News contacted veterinarian Katerina Stathatou and the “Mediterranean Monk Seal Research and Protection Society (MOm). According to recorded history of similar incidents, it is common for large males (weighing between 200 and 250 kg) to engage in fights, either to mark their territory or to “hunt” females. These “fights” often result in injuries, most of which are superficial. The animal then seeks out a beach, where it remains for 1-2 days to rest and regain its strength.
It is estimated that in this particular case the injury is minor and the animal is taking its time to rest. In any case, only time will tell how serious the situation is.
What swimmers and passers-by should do
It is very important to know that the Mediterranean monk seal is a wild animal that lives in the wild. Therefore, and because there is a risk of injury, especially in cases such as this where we are dealing with a stressed animal, we should always make sure to keep our distance. Do not approach within 30 meters and do not seek any physical contact. An additional reason to stay away is to allow the animal to calm down. Proximity upsets seals, and there is always the risk that a stressed animal, such as the one in Chalkis, will return to the sea in search of another, more deserted beach. This means we risk losing track of it.
Also, under no circumstances should we wet the seal. The animal has fur that retains water and, therefore, does not become dehydrated. In fact, one of the reasons it comes out of the water is to dry off. Furthermore, if we have a pet with us, we do not allow it to come into contact with the seal, as there is a risk of transmitting germs between them.
Here are general instructions what to do if you encounter a Mediterranean monk seal:
1. IN THE WATER: Don't panic, don't make any sudden movements, don't try to approach the animal, respect its living space. Of course, under no circumstances should you target it with a spear gun. Mediterranean monk seals are not aggressive animals, but if they feel threatened or panicked, they can become aggressive. Remember that they are very fast in the water, and their sight and hearing are much better than those of humans.
Keep a safe distance so you can observe and admire this magnificent animal undisturbed!
2. IN A SEA CAVE: Don't panic, don't try to enter the cave, where there may be a mother with her young, swim away slowly and close to the rocks so as not to block the entrance to the cave and make the animal feel trapped. Always remember that seals in the water and in sea caves are in their natural environment, so they are most likely not animals that need help.
Remember that seals in the water and in sea caves are in their natural environment, so it is unlikely that they are animals in need of help.
3. ON LAND: Seals often come ashore during the moulting season or to rest, but it may also be an animal that needs help.
• Stay at least 30 meters away from the seal and always behind any warning signs, ribbons, or cones that may have been placed around the animal by the Port Authority or the MOm Rescue Team.
• DO NOT make NOISE near the seal, do not throw sand, stones, or other objects to attract its attention. Like any wild animal, seals need peace, space, and respect.
• DO NOT WET the seal. If it is out of the water, it wants to stay dry!
• NEVER feed seals, either on land or in the sea!
• DO NOT BLOCK the seal's access to the sea.
• DO NOT LET CHILDREN approach the seal, as they may be injured because the seal's behavior can be unpredictable.
• PETS should be REMOVED, as they may be carriers of dangerous diseases for Mediterranean monk seals.
• PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to its size and color, and whether it has any distinctive marks on its body or any serious injuries.
Contact the nearest Port Authority or Port Authority to report the incident and IMMEDIATELY notify the MOm by calling: 210 5222 888 and 6942 494471. MOm will record the information, advise you on what to do and, if necessary, the Rescue Team will intervene immediately.
Notify immediately even if the animal is dead. The necropsy of a seal will provide valuable information for the rescue of other seals.
Useful links:
Report of sighting of Mediterranean monk seal
Join the Rescue and Information Gathering Network
DOWNLOAD THE MEDITERRANEAN SEAL OBSERVATION GUIDELINES HERE
It should be noted that the period during which seals give birth lasts from early September to mid-November. They usually give birth in caves.
