Dolphins Cause Series of Attacks on Swimmers in Fukui, Possibly Feeling Threatened or Territorial
On the morning of July 16, a dolphin injured a man in his 60s while he was swimming at Suishohama Beach in Mihama, Fukui Prefecture. The dolphin struck the victim as he swam about 5 meters from shore with a friend, according to the Tsuruga police department. The man suffered broken ribs and a bite on his hand, Business Insider reported.
Earlier that morning, another man in his 40s was also bitten by a dolphin on his arm. Authorities are uncertain if both incidents were caused by the same dolphin. Additionally, two other people were attacked by dolphins at the same location on the same day. Local authorities have recorded six dolphin attacks this year.
Dolphin attacks swimmer on the beach. (Photo: Sun).
Last year, authorities installed ultrasonic devices at Koshino Beach in Fukui after a series of dolphin attacks. Swimmers sometimes attempt to get close and pet dolphins. Dolphins are intelligent mammals that often appear friendly to humans. However, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their territory is encroached upon.
“Dolphins are wild animals and may perceive humans as a potential threat to their territory or prey. In some cases, dolphins may also attack humans as a form of play. This is very dangerous due to their size and strength,” stated American Oceans, a marine conservation organization in the U.S.
