Fur seal sighted in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro

A fur seal was spotted on Itaipuaçu beach, in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday (Dec. 22). The city council told Agência Brasil that the area was cordoned off by Civil Defense agents and biologists are monitoring the animal.

It is believed that it may be the same animal that was seen before on the sands of Ipanema beach and in the neighboring city of Niterói—Joca, as it was nicknamed. 

On Sunday morning, the water mammal had surprised beach-goers on São Francisco beach in Niterói. The fur seal had come from Guanabara bay and only stayed there for a few minutes before heading back out to sea, city authorities in Niterói reported.

Last Wednesday (18), a fur seal had appeared on the sands of Ipanema beach and returned to the sea on Friday (20). As the migration of this species is unusual at this time of year, it is believed to be the same individual found in Niterói. The city council, however, stated “it is not possible to say that it is the same animal that was on the sands of Ipanema for a few days.”

The city council advises caution to anyone who encounters the animal. “People should not approach them or offer them any kind of food,” the note adds.

In an interview with EBC’s Revista Rio, biologist Daniela Meriano says that fur seals “are mammals known for their ability to be both in the water and on land.”

Males can measure from two to three meters and weigh up to 250kg, while females can reach 1.5 to 2.5m in length and weigh up to 120kg.

“They’re often seen in coastal areas. They also appear on beaches, on rocks. They’re not as common as regular seals, but they can be spotted at different times of the year, especially during the breeding season, which runs from September to December, and when they’re looking for food,” she added.

Meriano stresses that the recommendation not to approach the animal should be followed for the sake of both beach-goers and the animal. “Why the animal? Because we humans have various microorganisms that can be harmful to this animal. It’s also not used to the presence of humans, so it can get stressed by this closeness. We don’t know what can happen.”

*Trainee under the supervision of Mariana Tokarnia