The arrival of an elephant seal caught the attention of beachgoers this Friday (2nd) at São Conrado Beach, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
Lifeguards from the Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro (CBMERJ) instructed people to keep their distance and marked the area with purple flags, which warn of the presence of marine animals.
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The agents kept onlookers at a distance to prevent any kind of contact with the mammal and also contacted an environmental agency to monitor the animal.
"The CBMERJ emphasizes that, in situations like this, one should not touch, pull, or push the animal, nor attempt to return it to the sea, as it may be weakened or sick and requires specialized evaluation," the agency said in a statement.
It is also advisable to "avoid noise, crowds, or offering any kind of food or water," the corporation added.