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Dolphins appealing
but from a distance
Movies and television shows that depict people swimming with dolphins
may do more harm than good for the marine mammals. Well-intentioned
folks who want to commune with nature may try to take a watery ride with
a dolphin — and pu these creatures in harm's way.
Dolphins that beg for handouts
from boaters can get too close to
turning propellers and sustain seri
ous injuries. Because dolphins are
social animals, the begging behavior
and dependence on handouts can
upset their groups, called pods. The
animals may lose the ability to sur
vive, and calves may not learn to
find food in the wild. Human food
can make dolphins sick, again
threatening their chances of sur
vival. .
People can also suffer from inter
actions with dolphins. As with most
wild animals, dolphins can be
ueiensive or Denave aggressively wnen numans approach. they have been
known to bite them and even pull them from boats into the water.
Folks who persist in pursuing close encounters with dolphins should
know that the Marine Mammal Protection Act forbids harassing, feeding,
hunting, capturing or killing them. Violating this act carries a maximum
penalty of $20,000 and one year in jail.
Observing dolphins from a safe distance, however, is not illegal. The
National Marine Fisheries Service advises boaters to stay at least 50 yards
away and let these wild animals live nature's way.
Based on information in “Protect Dolphins: Admire Them From a
Distance," a brochure published by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
For more information about dolphins and the Marine Mammal Protection
Act, contact at 301-713-2289.
®
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