A solitary bottlenose dolphin, believed to be separated from its pod, may be responsible for a troubling series of attacks on swimmers in a coastal Japanese town, with eighteen people injured this summer alone.
As mentioned by NHK, a recent incident on August 20 saw a man in his 50s bitten on both hands by a dolphin at a beach in Tsuruga, Fukui prefecture. This attack was the 18th reported since July 21 and the second in just two days. Over the past three years, there have been 48 recorded dolphin bite incidents in the region, some resulting in serious injuries like broken bones.
The attacks appear to involve a single dolphin, which is unusual given that bottlenose dolphins are typically very social creatures. Researchers, including Tadamichi Morisaka from Mie University, have identified the dolphin by its unique dorsal fin markings, matching those of a dolphin seen off the coast last year.
“It’s reasonable to conclude that this is the same dolphin,” Morisaka said. He noted that such dolphins usually avoid humans but this particular dolphin seems to have developed a pattern of interaction, albeit with a tendency to bite.
Swimmers are being advised to exit the water if they encounter a dolphin. On August 21, a dolphin was spotted near a Mihama beach and was subsequently guided out to sea by a staff member on water skis.
A coast guard notice highlights past incidents where swimmers, bitten by dolphins, required medical attention for broken bones and stitches. It warns that while dolphins are normally peaceful, they can become dangerous if provoked.
Elizabeth Hawkins from Dolphin Research Australia suggests that this dolphin’s behavior may stem from social isolation. “When dolphins are cut off from their pods, they might seek social interaction with humans, which can lead to aggressive behavior,” she explained. “While such behavior is typical among dolphins, it can be quite harmful to people.”
Authorities urge caution and emphasize the need to respect the dolphin’s space to prevent further injuries.