I was in the ocean coast of baja california one afternoon and I spotted a number of dolphins swimming and jumping just about 50 feet from the shoreline. It was a cold day and nobody was on the beach but me and some friends. I had a strong temptation to fulfill a dream of mine and go swimming with dolphins but I was wondering whether swimming in the vicinity of wild dolphins was safe?
2007-01-28 18:38:43 · 5 answers · asked by bokimble 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
No, no, no. Dolphins are wild animals - swim with the ones that are confined to controlled area.
2007-01-28 18:47:44 · answer #1 · answered by Ti 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is NO!!. Dolphins, as much as we admire them, are wild animals with a great degree of unpredictability. They may be playful, even in the wild, but don't take that as a sign of safety. They have been known to kill some formidable sharks by ramming and they can easily injure or worse, kill you. Leave them alone, that's the best thing you can do.
2007-01-28 18:44:14 · answer #2 · answered by DaveMan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dolphins are very intelligent and inquisitive mammals. They are not particularly aggressive unless they have young, or feel somehow threatened. But they have the ability to kill a shark with their noses, which they can use like battering rams. I have seen dolphins in captivity, at Marineland and Sea World, and resorts where tourists are allowed to swim with them; they do not seem hostile, or particularly afraid of human beings. I saw the PBS special with Robin WIlliams swimming in the wild with dolphins, and they seem as curious about us as we are about them. They have even been known to be protective of humans.
My advice is--go slow about wanting to swim "with" dolphins. Either near them or seeking them out. They are wonderful animals, but sometimes it is best to enjoy them and their company from a distance, unless they actually approach your boat. They love to "ride the bow" of the currents under the front of a boat, and they actually like to come over and check you out if you are snorkeling or scuba diving nearby. Other than that....let them be dolphins, and enjoy them from a respectful distance.
2007-01-28 18:58:30 · answer #3 · answered by JOHN B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, wild dolphins are perfectly safe. Dolphins sometimes get sort of roudy, but they are safe if you are a real good swimmer. They won't meaningly try to Kill you, but they don't really understand the fraility of humans.
2007-01-28 18:48:28 · answer #4 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think so. They don't eat people.
2007-01-28 18:42:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋