Treatment and prevention of infection following bites of the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella)

Abstract

In recent decades, an increasing number of people have traveled to sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions each year for research, tourism, and resource exploitation. Hunting of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) almost pushed the species to extinction in the early 1900s, but populations have since shown rapid and substantial recovery. The species’ range has re-expanded to include several islands south of the Antarctic Convergence, most notably South Georgia, and now overlaps with many popular Antarctic travel destinations. Both male and female fur seals can become extremely aggressive when provoked, and their bites, if not properly treated, pose a significant risk of infection by microorganisms not usually encountered in cases of animal bites. In this report, we present the case of a patient treated for a fur seal bite during an Antarctic expedition cruise, review the literature concerning seal bites, and suggest the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent complications.

Developing UAV Monitoring of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands’ Iconic Land-Based Marine Predators

“…Safety, not only for the researchers but also the environment and wildlife, was an important factor when considering the use of UAVs. When working around territorial land breeding marine mammals, such as southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals there is a risk of injury to researchers (Kouliev and Cui, 2015). Additionally, the presence of researchers in close proximity to seabird and marine mammal colonies, which is often required when conducting ground based surveys, can lead to changes in behaviour and disturbance of wildlife during observations (Engelhard et al, 2002;Viblanc et al, 2012).…”

Non-operative management of a patella fracture: environmental considerations in the Subantarctic

“…Over the austral summer male fur seals may aggressively defend any intrusion into their territory, and often claim parts of KEP research station in an attempt to secure a harem. Fur seals are agile on land, and seal bites to humans have been reported on several occasions, including one attack in 2015 that required medical evacuation to the Falkland Islands [6,7]. In these circumstances it would be difficult for a person with limited mobility to escape from further harm.…”