Lone Bottlenose Dolphin Suspected of Series of Attacks on People

Dolphin attacks on humans near the city of Mihama are becoming more frequent. Last year, there were six such cases. This year, there have already been 18 similar incidents. Among the injured was a boy whose finger required 20 stitches.

Experts believe the attacks may have been carried out by a lone bottlenose dolphin. Descriptions of the 2.5-meter-long dolphin's fin match several instances.

Why does a dolphin attack people?

According to Professor Tadamichi Morisaki of Mie University in Japan nibbling on each other is a form of communication between dolphins:

“They are not trying to hurt people on purpose, they just want to communicate with them in their own language,” an expert in cetology (the study of cetaceans) said in an interview for Japan's NHK.

There are other attempts to explain the series of attacks. Dr. Matthias Hoffmann-Kuhnt of the National University of Singapore argues that the mammal may be acting in self-defense:

“In my experience, most of the time it's more of a defensive behaviour that happens when people get too close to dolphins,” he told the BBC, adding that he had previously encountered situations where people had tried to swim on dolphins or put their fingers up their nostrils.

Dr. Simon Allen, a biologist from the Shark Bay dolphin research project, supposes that the mammal's behavior may be due to the lack of satisfaction of the animal's needs, which are extremely social.

– Hormonal fluctuations, sexual frustration or a desire for dominance can lead a dolphin to interact with humans. Because dolphins are strong animals, injuries can occur, the expert says.

Local media reported that ultrasonic deterrents have been installed at some beaches in response to the incidents. Authorities have also advised swimmers to get out of the water immediately if they spot a dolphin. There are no plans to capture the dolphin, which may have been responsible for the attacks.