Viral 'seal' spotted near Atal Setu? Experts say it may be an otter

A screen grab from the viral video showing the mystery animal near Atal Setu. Pic/By Special Arrangement

A blurry video of a seal-like animal gliding across Navi Mumbai's mudflats near Atal Setu went viral on Monday, sparking curiosity on social media and among wildlife groups. While many users identified it as a seal, marine experts who reviewed the footage believe it is more likely a smooth-coated otter. There are also discussions over whether the clip is genuine or AI-generated. The Instagram video received thousands of likes and generated interactions running into lakhs.

Verify claims

Pawan Sharma, president of the NGO Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare, urged people not to identify wildlife based on appearance alone and advised them to consult researchers, forest department officials, or experienced wildlife enthusiasts before sharing such claims. He said, "The incident highlights how social media can spread misinformation, citing the recent Bandra blue whale, which was widely shared online as a humpback whale."

Pawan Sharma, president, RAWW. Pic/LinkedIn/pawan-sharma

Spotting tips

Smooth-coated otters are often seen near rocky patches and small islands around creeks and mangroves, where they groom and mark territory. They are most active during early mornings and late afternoons.

Expert Speak

Shaunak Modi, marine ecologist, director of the Coastal Conservation Foundation, and member of Marine Life of Mumbai, said, "The animal seen in the viral Navi Mumbai video, which many people identified as a seal, would be a smooth-coated otter. Smooth-coated otters are fairly common in and around creeks and mangrove habitats around Mumbai and Maharashtra. India is not home to any native species of seals."