In a startling incident at the San Antonio Aquarium in Texas, a woman was unexpectedly attacked by an octopus after making direct eye contact with the creature. The bizarre encounter, captured on video, has since gone viral, raising questions about the behaviour of marine animals in captivity.
The footage shows the woman leaning close to the octopus tank when suddenly, the eight-armed cephalopod shoots out of the water and latches onto her face. Visitors can be heard gasping in shock as aquarium staff rush to help the startled guest.
What Triggered the Attack?
Marine biologists suggest the octopus may have perceived the woman's direct gaze as a threat. "Octopuses are highly intelligent creatures with complex behaviours," explains Dr. Helen Marlow, a marine life expert. "While they're generally not aggressive, they can react defensively if they feel challenged."
Safety Measures Under Review
The aquarium has temporarily closed the exhibit while reviewing its safety protocols. "Visitor safety is our top priority," said aquarium manager James Whitaker. "We're working with marine biologists to understand what prompted this unusual behaviour and how we can prevent similar incidents."
This isn't the first time an octopus has made headlines for its surprising strength and intelligence. The creatures are known for their problem-solving abilities and have even been documented escaping from tanks in aquariums worldwide.
