New Delhi: A lone bottlenose dolphin, believed to have been separated from its pod, is being blamed for a spate of troubling attacks on swimmers in Tsuruga, a seaside town in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture. The latest incident occurred on August 20, when a man in his 50s was bitten on both hands while trying to fend off the dolphin. This attack marks the 18th reported case since July 21 and the second within just two days.
Over the past three years, the region has seen more than 48 dolphin bite incidents, some resulting in severe injuries, including broken bones. While many of the bites have been minor, recent cases have included an elementary school child who required 20 to 30 stitches after being bitten, according to Shoichi Takeuchi, a coastguard official. The rising number of attacks has prompted local beach staff to use water skis to coax the dolphin away from swimming areas.
The Japan Coast Guard has issued warnings about the potential dangers, noting that last year, several swimmers required more than 10 stitches after being bitten by dolphins.
Researchers suspect that a single, lonely male dolphin may be responsible for the attacks. Injuries on the dorsal fin of the dolphin involved in the latest incident match those of a dolphin spotted off the coast last year. “It’s reasonable to assume that they’re the same individual,” said Tadamichi Morisaka, a researcher at the Cetacean Research Center at Japan’s Mie University.
Morisaka explained that the dolphin’s unusual behavior may be due to its prolonged interaction with humans, as bottlenose dolphins typically do not approach, interact with, or bite people. In a statement to NBC News, Morisaka suggested that the dolphin’s actions might stem from loneliness and a desire to interact with humans, rather than a malicious intent to harm.
Elizabeth Hawkins, Chief Executive and Founding Director of Dolphin Research Australia, described the animal as a “sociable solitary dolphin” that may have become isolated from its pod. She emphasized that socially isolated dolphins can become pushy, aggressive, and prone to biting, and stressed the importance of giving the dolphin space.
As the situation unfolds, local officials are closely monitoring the dolphin’s behavior and continue to advise caution for those entering the water.
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