Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/lone-dolphin-north-padre-island/

Dolphins are social mammals and form close bonds. However, those bonds should only be with other dolphins – not humans.

The striking marine animals capture the attention of beachgoers and boaters but should be admired from afar.

When humans interact and continue to interact with a dolphin it can become dangerous for the dolphin and humans.

Sadly, that is what has occurred on the coast of Texas.

A dolphin off the shores of North Padre Island has been labeled “aggressive” by biologists. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a statement warning people to avoid the dolphin at all costs.

The dolphin has developed new “dangerous” behaviors due to prolonged interactions with humans. Swimmers are advised to leave the water if the dolphin appears, and boaters are asked to slowly pass the marine animal without interacting with it.

“Biologists report the animal is showing more aggressive behavior, separating children from their parents in the water, and isolating swimming pets from their owners,” stated NOAA.

However, the dolphin is not to blame.

Local officials and biologists have urged people for over a year not to interact with the dolphin. While some obeyed, others did not.

“While the dolphin may seem friendly, this is a wild animal with unpredictable behavior. It is showing behaviors similar to other lone, sociable dolphins worldwide,” officials wrote.

There are four stages a lone dolphin goes through to be conditioned to people. Sadly, the North Padre dolphin is already in stage 4, which is showing aggressive behavior.

People are urged to not seek out the dolphin for everyone’s safety. Increased patrol units will be in the area as biologists and NOAA discuss ways to protect the dolphin.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) gives the following guidelines on how to keep dolphins safe:
– Remain at least 50 yards away
– Limit viewing time to 30 minutes or less
– Don’t chase, encircle or leapfrog dolphins
– Don’t trap dolphins by boat and land
– Avoid excessive speed
– Avoid sudden changes in direction
– Avoid approaching when there are calves
– Don’t operate boat by a mother and calf
– Avoid approaching when another boat is already present

Dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Feeding or interactions that may cause injury or change the dolphin’s natural behavior are illegal. Violators will face up to $100,000 in fines and 1 year in jail for each incident.

People are asked to call NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline (800) 853-1964 to report any violations.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog