Several incidents of dolphin attacks off Suishohama beach in central Japan have resulted in injuries to four swimmers, according to officials on Monday.
On Sunday morning, a 60-year-old man was rammed by a dolphin, resulting in broken ribs and bites to his hands. Another incident occurred the same morning, involving a 40-year-old man who sustained bites on his arm.
These incidents brought the total count of dolphin attacks this year to six, as reported by local police. In response, warning signs advising people to avoid dolphins have been put up in the area.
While it may come as a surprise to many, they have been known to exhibit aggressive behavior towards swimmers in the past.
In 2013, two women in Ireland were injured within a ten-day period by the same dolphin. One of them suffered a broken rib. Additionally, a year later, a dolphin aggressively encircled five swimmers, prompting a rescue operation.
Scientists offer a plausible explanation for the unexpected aggression displayed by dolphins. They suggest that wild bottlenose dolphins find it “incredibly stressful” to swim alongside humans, which can disrupt their natural behavior patterns.
While the hostility towards humans may still be surprising to some, it is worth noting that they have also been observed to be aggressive towards other sea creatures.
In a recent viral video, a bottlenose dolphin was seen flipping a porpoise into the air off the coast of England.
These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and caution when swimming in areas known to be inhabited by dolphins. It is important for beachgoers and swimmers to respect the wild nature of these animals and maintain a safe distance to minimize the risk of potential harm.
Authorities and marine experts are currently working to understand the underlying factors that contribute to attacks and develop measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
In the meantime, beachgoers are urged to adhere to the warning signs and exercise caution when swimming in areas where they are present. By respecting the boundaries of these creatures, humans can help foster a harmonious coexistence with the diverse marine life that inhabits our oceans.
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In conclusion, the recent attacks in Japan serve as a reminder that while these creatures are often portrayed as friendly, they can exhibit aggressive behavior under certain circumstances. It is crucial for swimmers and beachgoers to be aware of this and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and the well-being of marine life.
