'Curious' dolphin charms French town but experts concerned
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- A young female bottlenose dolphin has been residing near the central beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, since mid-October, delighting locals and tourists with her curiosity and social behavior.
- Oceanographer Pascale Fossecave noted the dolphin appears to have been expelled from her pod and is seeking social interaction, often approaching swimmers closely.
- Authorities have warned beachgoers to behave responsibly, as inappropriate conduct could lead to fines, emphasizing that human behavior poses risks to both the dolphin and swimmers.
- Experts caution that close human contact can harm dolphins by reducing their natural wariness, increasing risks of injury or death, and hope the dolphin will eventually return to open sea.
- The situation recalls a similar case in the 1990s when a dolphin named Pakito became a local celebrity off San Sebastian, Spain.