Beachgoers have been warned to stop feeding and harassing dolphins for photos because the act is illegal and bad for the animals.
On Sunday, South Carolina’s Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network shared a message asking people to stay away from dolphins that drive the fish towards the shore where they are easier to catch.
According to the officials, beachgoers seen feeding or otherwise harassing wild dolphins that come close to the shore in search of fish should be reported.
“We’ve had several negative dolphin interactions this week. Please keep your distance from these animals and all wild dolphins. They don’t need our food (it’s also illegal) and this creates bad behaviors by the dolphins,” the network wrote in their post accompanied by a photo of a man harassing a feeding dolphin.
“Part of LMMN’s mission is to both educate and intercept actions like these to protect our local dolphin population. If you see anyone feeding wild dolphins, please document and report them (to us or SCDNR).”
As the network’s founder, Lauren Rust, explained, the man seen in the photo they shared on Sunday “was catching the fish as the dolphins pushed them ashore and was trying to tease the dolphins and hand it back.”
“People are typically trying to get up close and personal to get photos/videos of this behavior. There are sometimes interactions, like in the (photo), or people yelling, whistling splashing the water to get the dolphins’ attention,” Rust added according to Charlotte Observer.
While volunteers usually work to educate the public about dolphins and reasons why they shouldn’t be approached, beachgoers sometimes ignore their advice and warnings placed around dolphins’ feeding grounds.
Despite South Carolina laws prohibiting the feeding of dolphins, an act that can result in a hefty fine amounting up to $100,000, beachgoers allegedly approach, feed, and harass dolphins on a regular basis.
“There are a couple YouTube videos of two incidents where two different men jumped on the dolphins as they fed. But we often see people go right to the water’s edge where they come, or sometimes into the water,” Rust added.
“It’s definitely dangerous. Dolphins are approximately 400 pounds and have 100 sharp teeth. They can also whack someone with their tail. It’s stupid, dangerous and illegal.”
Replaced!