Posted on 11/01/2005 5:47:41 PM PST by kingattax
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A seal bit off a South African woman's nose after she tried to help it back into the sea, an official said Monday.
Elsie van Tonder, 49, is expected to undergo surgery this week after being bitten on a beach near George, about 240 miles east of Cape Town Saturday.
Her nose was found but could not be reattached to her face, local media reported.
"The seal had been lying in the same spot since Friday, so the lady and a few other people were trying to take it back to the water," said Herman Oosthuizen, a marine biologist with the Department of Environmental Affairs.
"The young female seal then bit her in the face."
Cape Fur Seals are common on South African shores and many have become accustomed to humans. They are a popular tourist attraction and can be viewed playing in the sea by Cape Town's waterfront.
But they can be dangerous and sometimes attack people who venture too close, especially in fishing harbors where they come into close contact with fishermen offloading their catch.
"It's a predator, it's got vicious teeth and if it bites you in the wrong place, it could kill you," Oosthuizen said.
Another day, another animal freak pwned by nature....
"A seal bit off a South African woman's nose after she tried to help it back into the sea"
What made her think it wanted to go back? There are great white`s in those waters and they love to eat tasty seals.
The seal may have been smarter than the woman.
Why do I find this funny? I am one sick puppy. ( not a seal pup of course!)
You're laying there in the warm sun on an extended vacation and some idiot tries to throw you into the sea. What'd they expect the seal to do?
...just to spite her face.
Dang. I was going to make a joke about Tycho Brahe, but you beat me to it.
It must have been a showing of a-f-f-e-c-t-i-o-n! After all it came from the sea and sea animals are k-i-n-d.
"Seal learn not to go nosing around now won't she "- who nose what surpises you will find on the beach - "Oh look Betty do you nose what this is?" and my favorite "Nosey beach isn't it?"
Who's calling, Michael Jackson?
With all the raw fish that seals eat, I wonder how does this woman smell? Probably not too good.
A: As long as it wants.
Fnord.
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