QUINTANA BEACH, Texas — Before rescuers could reach a stranded sick dolphin on Sunday, a crowd of beachgoers harassed the mammal and caused it more distress, according to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Unfortunately, the dolphin died before help arrived.
The report stated that beachgoers pushed the stranded dolphin back to the sea to swim and ride it.
The incident took place at Quintana Beach, which is located south of Houston.
This sort of behavior only causes more unnecessary stress onto wild dolphins, and the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network warns that doing so can be dangerous.
The nonprofit said that legal repercussions could follow if caught harassing these sea mammals, such as paying fines or receiving jail time.
If you find a stranded dolphin, the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said, “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!”
For more information about harassing wild dolphins, click here.