A dolphin is believed to be the culprit behind a series of attacks on humans in Japan this summer. The cause is thought to be related to sexual frustration.
Since July, there have been 18 reported injuries due to dolphin attacks in Mihama, Japan. Some victims required dozens of stitches, according to the Telegraph.
The sexually frustrated dolphin suspected of causing a series of attacks on humans in Japan. (Photo: 123RF).
Local authorities have placed warning signs for tourists at the beach featuring an image of a dolphin with its mouth open, revealing sharp teeth. The warning states that these mammals “are known to pose a danger to humans” and advises people to get out of the water immediately if they see a dolphin.
Wild dolphins rarely attack humans, but a few cases have been reported where they might bite or drag people underwater if they feel threatened or harassed.
One notable incident occurred in 1994 in São Sebastião, Brazil, when a dolphin named Tiao attacked a man after a crowd of bathers attempted to play with or even harass it.
Similar to Tiao’s case, a solitary bottlenose dolphin in Japan has been identified as the perpetrator of attacks on swimmers in 2022 and 2023. The reason is that some people have approached it with their genitals.
Dolphins can become aggressive during mating behavior. (Photo: Shane Gross).
Putu Mustika, a marine biology lecturer and researcher at James Cook University in Australia, told the New York Times that dolphins can unintentionally harm humans due to their natural strength during mating behaviors.
“Dolphins can become very wild when mating,” Mustika added. The act of leaping onto a person’s body may be considered a sexual behavior and a sign that the dolphin is “frisky, lonely.”
At least six other people were also injured in the Mihama coastal area last year, including a man in his 60s who suffered broken ribs and hand injuries after being struck by a dolphin.
Giovanni Bearzi, a zoologist and president of the Dolphin Biology Conservation Organization in Italy, shared with Live Science that people often tend to view dolphins as “always cute” animals, forgetting that they are very powerful.
“Our lack of awareness or overly friendly behavior can provoke their aggression,” Bearzi stated.
Japanese authorities have tried various measures to prevent attacks, including installing dozens of underwater sound devices to drive away dolphins and limiting swimming hours at certain beaches.
