The female dolphin died after beachgoers harassed her. Photo: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
On the evening of April 10, a female dolphin washed up on Quintana Beach in Texas. As is the case with most marine creature strandings, she was sick. But instead of trying to help her, some beachgoers decided that they would try and ride her. Tragically, she died shortly after.
While it’s unknown whether or not she would have survived if she wasn’t harassed, it’s clear that it didn’t help matters. The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network weighed in on Facebook with some sage (and obvious, one would assume) advice on what to do if you come across a stranded marine mammal.
“This type of harassment causes undue stress to wild dolphins, is dangerous for the people who interact with them, and is illegal – punishable by fines and jail time if convicted,” the organization wrote. “If a live dolphin or whale strands in Texas, please DO NOT PUSH the animal back to sea, do not attempt to swim or interact with them, do not crowd them, and immediately call 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) for guidance on how to help support the animal until the TMMSN rescue response arrives!”
Eventually, one spectator reported the stranding, and officials from Quintana Beach County Park rushed to the scene, but they weren’t able to reach her fast enough.
