months old. Human interactions This species is an inquisitive and friendly animal when in the water, and often accompanies scuba divers. They swim around divers for periods of several minutes at a time, even at a depth of 60 m. On land, they are far less relaxed and tend to panic when humans come near them. Australian fur seals were hunted intensively between 1798 and 1825 for commercial reasons. Seal hunting stopped in Australia in 1923, and their population is still recovering, causing increasing friction with South Australian fishermen as their range expands. Breeding and haul-out sites are protected by law. South African fur seals have a very robust and healthy population. Harvesting of seals was outlawed in South Africa in 1990. Brown fur seals are still harvested in Namibia. Permits are issued for the killing of pups for their luxurious fur and adult males for their genitalia, which are considered an aphrodisiac in some countries. It is also considered necessary to limit seal numbers in Namibia because of the supposed effect seals have on the country's fish harvest. Research by environmental groups disputes this. In January 2023, media reports indicated that seals have been attacking humans in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town area. Scientists believe it is due to the presence of a brain-altering poison in the fish they consume. The poison is affecting their behavior and making them more aggressive towards humans. Some attribute the aggressive behavior of the animals to the surge of toxic red tide algae, fueled by pollution and climate change. The incidents have increased in recent times, leading to concern and calls for further investigation. See also Skull of adult male References External links Photos of brown fur seals at Cape Cross, Namibia – photographs and information Pictures of fur seals at Geyser Rock, South Africa on jostimages.com Animal Diversity Web – Arctocephalus pusillus brown fur seal Pinnipeds of Africa Mammals of Southern Africa Mammals of Tasmania Mammals of South Australia Mammals of Victoria (Australia) Pinnipeds of Australia brown fur seal Taxa named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber