Dolphin Attacks Leave Four Injured at Japanese Beach
Four swimmers were hurt in dolphin attacks at Suishohama beach, Mihama, Fukui prefecture, central Japan. The incidents happened on Sunday, with one man in his 60s suffering broken ribs and bites after being rammed just meters from shore. Another man in his 40s was bitten on the arm earlier the same morning. Two more swimmers were injured later in the day.
Signs Go Up as Attacks Spike in Fukui
Local officials have reported six dolphin attacks in Fukui this year alone. In response, warning signs have been erected, urging swimmers to keep their distance and not to touch the dolphins. Normally seen as gentle giants, these dolphins are showing unusual aggression.
Experts Pinpoint Stress as Cause of Aggression
Scientists say wild bottlenose dolphins find swimming alongside humans highly stressful, which may trigger hostile behaviour. Similar attacks have been seen worldwide. In 2013, two women in the Republic of Ireland were injured by the same dolphin within ten days, including one with a broken rib. A year later, five swimmers off the Irish coast needed rescue from another aggressive dolphin.
Fierce Dolphins Turning Violent – Even to Other Sea Life
It’s not just humans at risk. In Cornwall, England, a bottlenose dolphin was caught on camera violently flipping a porpoise into the air during an attack, showing their aggressive streak extends beyond swimmers.
Fukui authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and warn beachgoers to exercise caution when swimming near dolphins.
