‘Sexually frustrated’ dolphin blamed for attacks on beachgoers in Japan

A “lonely and sexually frustrated” dolphin is said to be behind a spate of attacks on beachgoers in JapanThe New York Times reported that the attack took place in Wakasa Bay, about 320 km west of Tokyo. The attack left more than 45 people injured and is said to have occurred near the cities of Echizen and Mihama.

Ryoichi Matsubara, director of the Echizen Matsushima Aquarium in Fukui, determined that it was the same male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin after reviewing images of attacks in 2022 and 2023. However, he said he had not seen the more recent videos and photos.

The dolphin may be exhibiting mating behavior, he said, noting that it was observed trying to “press its genitals against humans” in 2022 and 2023. However, he added that there were many injuries when beachgoers approached the dolphin or tried to touch it.

Marine scientist Putu Mustika of James Cook University in Australia told the Independent that dolphins can be “very wild” when mating.

She said jumping on a human could be a sexual act and a sign that the dolphin is “horny and lonely.”

Ms Mustika noted that the dolphin is aggressive by nature and may react irritably if people try to touch it.

Authorities have warned people not to approach dolphins. Underwater acoustic devices that emit high-frequency sounds have reportedly been installed to keep the dolphins away. Warning signs have also been put up and leaflets distributed warning beachgoers that dolphins can bite swimmers or drag them into the sea.