Most in crowd near beached dolphin did not know what to do
Courtesy: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
TEXAS – The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said most of the people in a crowd around a stranded dolphin did not know who to call in the emergency. As more people head to the beach this summer it’s important to know what to do if you come across a stranded mammal.
On Sunday evening, The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said a group of people came upon a beached dolphin when they decided to push it back into the ocean. The network said some people tried to swim with the sick animal and ride it. The dolphin ended up dead. It was too late by the time rescuers were contacted. The network suspects the harassment by the crowd contributed to the animals death.
Courtesy: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
“This type of harassment causes undue stress to wild dolphins, is dangerous for the people who interact with them, and is illegal – punishable by fines and jail time if convicted, the network wrote in a Facebook post. “If a live dolphin or whale strands in Texas, please DO NOT PUSH the animal back to sea, do not attempt to swim or interact with them, do not crowd them, and immediately call 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) for guidance on how to help support the animal until the TMMSN rescue response arrives!”
Learn more about harassment of wild dolphins here.
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