Dolphins' dangerous liaisons: Swimmers attacked in the Sea of Japan

The internet is buzzing about amorous dolphins. These seemingly harmless animals are attacking swimmers relaxing in the Sea of Japan. Among the victims is a child whose close encounter with the mammal ended with a hospital stay. Are dolphins aggressive?

Dolphins are intelligent and social marine mammals known for their exceptional ability to communicate and cooperate in groups. They live in oceans and seas worldwide, and some species inhabit rivers. Dolphins communicate using sounds and echolocation, which helps them hunt fish and squid, among other prey. They are also known for their curiosity, especially towards foreign species such as humans. Their intelligence and playful nature make them some of the most fascinating marine animals.

Foreign media are buzzing about amorous dolphins haunting Japanese waters for three years. The BBC reports that there have been 18 dangerous incidents involving these swimming mammals this year alone. One of the victims was a boy who was bitten on the finger by an animal. The child required stitches. Another foreign portal, the "New York Times," reports that last year dolphins injured 21 people. One victim revealed that the seemingly friendly mammal bit her on the arm and then started trying to drown her while attempting to climb on her back.

Local authorities have decided to take matters into their own hands. They have placed random sound-emitting devices on the beaches, which are unpleasant for dolphins. This solution is meant to deter curious mammals and keep them away from swimmers.

Tadamichi Morisaka is a researcher specialising in dolphin ecology at Japan's Mie University in Tsu. In a comment to the scientific journal "Nature", he explained that dolphins show emotions completely differently. He stated that nibbling or trying to drown people could signify affection. Additionally, he noted that most of the attacks are likely perpetrated by a single Indian bottlenose dolphin. He could identify the animal thanks to recordings and photos of the mammal.