A solitary bottlenose dolphin named Suzu is suspected of being behind a series of attacks on humans in Central Japan’s Fukui prefecture beaches. Experts believe that the dolphin’s behavior could be driven by loneliness and a search for companionship, or it might be reacting defensively due to negative past encounters with humans.
Background on Suzu and the attacks
Suzu, identified by distinctive injuries on its tail fin, has been linked to numerous incidents over the past three years where beachgoers have reported being “bumped, bitten, and sexually harassed.” The attacks have increased recently, with dozens of people injured since 2022. Last week alone, two attacks were reported on the tiny island of Mizushima, including a man who lost a fingertip.
Warnings have been issued by local authorities and the Coast Guard, highlighting the risks of interacting with dolphins. Signs caution that despite their cute appearance, dolphins are wild animals and can be dangerous. This summer, 18 people have been injured by the dolphin, including a school student who needed at least 20 stitches for a finger injury.
Possible reasons behind the dolphin’s behavior
- Social Isolation and Loneliness: Experts suggest that Suzu might be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Bottlenose dolphins are highly social creatures and usually live in groups. Dr. Simon Allen, a biologist, notes that such social animals may express their social needs in physical ways, and if ostracized from their community, they might seek companionship from humans, which can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviors.
- Hormonal Fluctuations and Sexual Frustration: Another theory is that hormonal changes and sexual frustration could be influencing Suzu’s behavior. Dr. Allen points out that these factors, along with the desire to assert dominance, might cause the dolphin to act out towards people, leading to serious injuries due to its strength.
- Defensive Reactions: Some experts believe Suzu’s aggression could be a defensive response due to overexposure to humans and possibly negative encounters in the past. Dr. Morisaka from NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, mentions that dolphins, like Suzu, communicate through “play-biting,” a behavior that might be misunderstood by humans, especially if the dolphin feels threatened or cornered.
Preventive measures and warnings
Local authorities have been proactive in warning the public about the risks of dolphin interactions. Signs have been posted along the coast, advising people not to touch or approach dolphins and to leave the water if they spot one nearby. Despite these precautions, the frequency of attacks has prompted a renewed focus on understanding and mitigating this unusual behavior.
The unusual and aggressive behavior exhibited by Suzu highlights the complexities of human-wildlife interactions, especially when wild animals become too familiar with people. As experts continue to study Suzu’s behavior, they stress the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance to prevent further injuries and ensure both human and animal welfare.