Experts: ‘Cute’ dolphin video shows a dangerous behavior, sign of illegal feeding

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A video showing a dolphin’s seemingly playful interaction with a group of fishermen may have been adorable, but wildlife experts say the encounter wasn’t a positive one.

The video, taken by a man fishing with his grandson in the Wando River, shows the dolphin within feet of the fishermen’s idling boat, splashing and bobbing in the water while looking directly at the people on board.

Local marine scientists say the dolphin’s behavior wasn’t simply playful, inquisitive antics; rather, they say the dolphin was begging for food.

“That is not normal wild dolphin behavior,” said Meghan Galipeau, a dolphin researcher with the S.C. Aquarium. “That is a result of the dolphin being fed before, and learning to associate people and boats with food.”

NOAA Dolphin Feeding PSA

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