Experts are asking for people to steer clear of a dolphin nicknamed Reggie off the coast of Lyme Regis, Dorset. The lone bottlenose dolphin has become something of a local celebrity over the summer, delighting swimmers with his seemingly playful behaviour.
Things took a turn for the worse as Reggie’s behaviour quickly became more worrying. He has even been reported to be trying to push swimmers’ heads underwater, according to the BBC.
But experts aren’t surprised that things have gone south. "Sadly, what we predicted would happen with Reggie has started to happen,” says Danny Groves, head of communications at Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) in a statement. "People really shouldn’t jump in the water with solitary dolphins as it isn’t good for them or the dolphins.”
When more people interact with a dolphin – or any wild animal – the animal starts to get used to humans and can lose their fear. This can lead to the dolphins becoming demanding and unpredictable, and it can be dangerous for both the dolphin and any humans in the water nearby. “There have been times when solitary dolphins will block a swimmer from returning to a beach by repeatedly cutting them off,” he says.
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Measuring up to four metres long and weighing around 500 kilograms (heavier than some grizzly bears), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are large and powerful animals.
Reggie’s attempts to push people underwater might seem aggressive but it may be a manifestation of stress. "Most likely, his behaviour has escalated in reaction to the continuous harassment, with too many people in the water,” says Groves. “When there is always somebody who wants to interact, it leaves the dolphin with less time to rest.”
In a joint statement, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Dorset Police and Dorset Wildlife Trust remind people that harassing dolphins is a crime, saying: “It is an offence to intentionally approach or recklessly disturb these animals and could result in up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”
As much as many people would love to swim with wild dolphins, the experts at WDC advise against it. “It is understandable that people love the idea of being in the water with these beautiful creatures,” says Groves. “However, the reality is that it can be a really intrusive and stressful experience for the whales or dolphins targeted.” Instead, he recommends that going on a whale watching boat with a responsible operator is a “wonderful alternative that can benefit people and whales and dolphins.”
The MMO adds, "We’ve seen a lot of people on social media suggesting it’s fine to interact if Reggie approaches them. However, we advise that people in or on the water keep a steady course, slowly leave the area, or simply exit the water."
Top image: 'Reggie' the dolphin. Credit: Marine Management Organisation
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