A huge creature went awry after it got ashore and ended up in the suburb of Puerto Cisnes
The night curfew in Chile, declared at the end of March to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the narrow South American country, has not been universally observed by all species Emboldened by the lack of people and cars, seven mountain lions have been captured on the streets of Santiago in recent months Now it seems like big cats aren’t the only creatures keen on a change of scenery
On Monday evening, residents of Puerto Cisnes, a coastal town 1,500 km (932 miles) south of the capital, were treated to the decidedly swanless spectacle of a two-ton elephant seal climbing into their neighborhoods to a surprisingly decent clip
The elephant seal, which had become disoriented after arriving ashore, was finally helped back into the sea after dozens of neighbors, police and naval officers used black tarps for the lead to water
« I was a little surprised at first, but since they move slowly, I calmed down and told my son to film him, » a local woman called Antonia told Argentinian online newspaper Infobae
/ p>
« I have never seen one so close – and certainly never in the middle of town We see these animals quite far out to sea so we don’t know much about them You don’t know if they are dangerous or if they can attack someone But what we saw here is that the animal was afraid «
José Muñoz, a Chilean navy sergeant, said the seal had traveled quite a few blocks before being returned to the sea and away from dangers posed by people and dogs
« I want to thank the community for their huge support, » added Muñoz, Spanish news agency Efe reported
« We will carry out constant patrols so that [the animal] does not return and to avoid any accidents »
Southern elephant seals, found in subantarctic and antarctic waters, are the largest members of the seal family
Males can grow up to 6 meters in length and weigh up to four tons, while females can reach lengths of 3 meters and weigh just under a ton
Seals, elephant seals, Chile
News from around the world – UA – Chileans unite to save elephant seals stranded in town
