Here’s A Quick PSA On HOW TO MEET A WILD DOLPHIN Safely And Kindly

There have been a string of dolphin bites at Japanese beaches that have us wondering, do you know the proper etiquette when meeting a dolphin?

Dolphins are highly intelligent but also highly sensitive creatures… and wild dolphins can be quite cantankerous! The general rule of thumb is to keep your distance and admire them from afar. If they do approach you, look for signs of distress as it might be because they feel threatened. If the dolphin approaches calmly and slowly, they’re probably open to human interaction, but it’s important not to make erratic or sudden movements. Petting a wild dolphin is very risky, but you should never pet them on the face, blowhole or back fin. The only safe way to pet a dolphin is to do it with trained professionals on a guided tour.

Have you ever swam with a dolphin? Tell us about your experience in the comments!