Swimmers in Japan attacked by dolphins, but why do dolphins attack humans?

Two swimmers in Japan were attacked by dolphins and suffered severe injuries. The attacks made us wonder, but aren't dolphins friendly animals?

Just like dogs, dolphins can be trained and are friendly. They are also considered one of the most intelligent creatures.

But on July 16 morning, a man in his 60s encountered a dolphin that rammed him a few meters off Suishohama beach in the town of Mihama, Fukui Prefecture in Japan.  

The incident left him with broken ribs and bites to his hands.

In another incident on the same morning, another man in his 40s sustained arm bites from a dolphin while swimming near the beach.

Later in the day, two more individuals were injured by dolphins.

As per the local police, a total of six such attacks have happened in Fukui. 

But why do dolphins attack humans?

While dolphins are generally known for their friendly and intelligent nature, it is important to know when they can pose a danger. Yes, they are dangerous sometimes and can attack humans.

Dolphins get stressed when people swim too close

• Swimming near bottlenose dolphins and attempting to touch them can cause them a lot of stress.
• This stress, in turn, interferes with their important activities like resting, feeding, and taking care of their babies. 

Protective parents

• One of the reasons they may sometimes attack humans is because they're fiercely protective parents.
• Just like any loving mom or dad, dolphin mothers will do whatever it takes to keep their babies safe.
• If they sense any danger, they might react by confronting humans to ensure the safety of their precious offspring.

Mistaking humans for fellow dolphins

• Dolphins may sometimes attack humans because of mistaken identity.
• If someone is in the water wearing a wetsuit or gear that resembles a dolphin's skin, these clever creatures might think they're encountering one of their own.

Attacking sexually

• Lonely male bottlenose dolphins can become sexually aroused if people get too close to them.

• They often form groups of five to six individuals to search for a female partner. Once they find her, they get a little aggressive.
• They chase her and sometimes even bite her to encourage her to mate with them. 

This aggressiveness could be another reason behind dolphin attacks. 

The Fukui incidents aren't the first dolphin attacks. Take a look at these encounters from the recent past.

1. Swimmers rescued in Galway Bay after dolphin encounter

In a case from 2014 in Blackrock Tower at Salthill, Galway, five people had to be rescued from Galway Bay in Ireland due to what witnesses described as a dolphin "attack".

The dolphin reportedly circled the swimmers and then approached them in an intimidating manner. Although the swimmers were not seriously injured, they were understandably frightened by the encounter.

2. Broken ribs and abdomen injury 

Two women were severely injured by the same dolphin named Dusty off the coast of Ireland in a case from 2013. 

The first woman suffered broken ribs, compressed vertebrae, and lung damage when Dusty rammed into her abdomen while she was swimming in County Clare. Then, just 10 days later, another woman was also rammed by Dusty in the same area, causing injuries to her abdomen.

Both women had to be taken to the hospital due to the seriousness of their injuries.

3. Dolphin bites 8-year-old girl

SeaWorld Orlando, US, found itself in the middle of controversy when an 8-year-old girl was bitten by a dolphin in 2012. 

A scary video of the incident was posted online, showing the girl standing by a pool where people were feeding the dolphins.

As she picked up a paper plate that held the dolphin's food, the dolphin lunged at her and bit her hand, leaving three puncture wounds.