It is often said that dumping plastic waste in the open can be hazardous for animals as they are at risk of choking on it. A recent video shows us another danger plastic poses to wildlife. The video shows some seals rushing into the sea, scared of a plastic bag that blew towards them.
In the clip, a yellow plastic bag is seen blowing across the beach where the seals were resting. As the bag gets closer to the sea creatures, they appeared scared. Soon, the seals began to rush back into the sea. “A plastic bag caused 100+ seals to stampede into the water,” the text on the video read.
According to the caption, the herd also comprised some pregnant seals and some who had just given birth.
According to a report by the Great Yarmouth Mercury, the video was shot at Waxham beach in Norfolk, England, on July 17. Following this, an animal welfare charity named Friends of Horsey Seals issued an urgent appeal urging people not to litter on the beach. “The incident is a stark reminder for visitors not to leave any rubbish on the beach,” Sally Butler, a member of the charity's rescue team was quoted as saying.
Butler added that while the bag may seem harmless, it shows how litter can pose danger to the seals, who could have been crushed or injured in the stampede.
Just a few days ago, a video from Mahim beach in Mumbai showed how much people littered on the beach. The clip gave a panoramic view of plastic waste on the beach while people were clicking selfies. “Beaches in Mumbai now open. Citizens throng Mahim beach to have a look at the #ReturnGift from the Arabian Sea…” the caption read.
