Swimmers rush out of the ocean after 'cute' sea creature starts to attack

Beachgoers enjoying a swim in the ocean got a shock when a “cute” sea creature got very close to them but instead of it being the heart-warming interaction with nature they were expecting, the animal lashed out and tried to bite some of them. Many people choose to spend time in the sea without coming into contact with the countless marine species who call it home.

Sometimes, an encounter with nature is on the cards - though the majority of wildlife organisations, charities and experts encourage and advise people to keep their distance and show respect to all wild animals and sea creatures.

Recently, sun-seekers relaxing on the beach were in awe after spotting a baby seal near the water’s edge, before it began lunging at people in the sea and trying to bite them.

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The situation was captured on camera and subsequently shared on social media. The clip begins with a woman filming the adorable seal as it heads back into the water.

The woman can be heard saying “aww, cutie”, before the seal quickly turns towards a man swimming in the shallows and lunges at him with an open mouth.

Then the animal raced towards several other people, as many started screaming while people on the shore shouted for them to “get out of the water”.

Once the majority of people had left the ocean, a woman was seen with her back to the sand and seemingly unaware of the seal lurking in the water. Passers-by yelled at her to get out of the water and she could be seen turning in shock as the animal got close and started biting her.

The RSPCA advises: “Wild seals are an amazing sight to see, but it’s really important to leave them alone and not get too close.

“Disturbing seals when they’re on beaches can mean they can’t sleep or digest their food properly, or mothers and pups could be separated from each other. It’s also dangerous for people or dogs to get too close to them, as seals have a painful bite.”

In the comments beneath the video, people were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Gosh all that screaming and shouting. It’s their home for heaven's sake."

Someone else said: “I’m sorry but it looks funny as hell.” A third person shared: “It's her house!!!”

Another said: “Yes Human, OUT of his water!” And another commented: “Seal said GTFO my house!”

While someone else joked: “Where is that seal’s mother?! He needs a serious time out for NOT playing well with others."

One Facebook user said: “Getting bit by a sea lion is cross between a pitbull, German shepherd, and rottweiler. They can do some major damage."

But someone else confessed: “Well I’ll be drowned. Call me a chew toy because I couldn’t resist the cuteness.”