A seal spotted in the Seine near Rouen

The animal spotted in the Seine and reported by a witness on Tuesday is indeed a seal, local authorities announced.

The marine mammal was observed at a dam southeast of Rouen (Seine-Maritime), at a considerable distance from the estuary.

It belongs to the species of sea calves, specifies

.

Its presence in this sector is rare, but not unprecedented.

A colony of seals has taken up residence in the area of ​​the Seine estuary and individuals have already been seen moving up the river.

Unlike the beluga whale that recently strayed into the waterway, the seal should manage to make it to the estuary without outside help, local authorities said.

Do not approach

The National Office for Biodiversity said it was attentive to the evolution of the animal's situation.

Voies navigables de France, for its part, recommended vigilance for boats using the river.

The animal is not considered to be in danger but you are asked not to approach it.

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• Rouen

• Seine Maritime

• Normandy

• Seal

• Seine

• Planet