Authorities in central Japan are advising beachgoers to avoid dolphins following a notable rise in biting incidents this year. The Fukui region has reported 18 such incidents, a significant increase compared to previous years, when only a few cases were logged.
Most of the bites have been minor, with some swimmers receiving only scratches, but a recent attack on an elementary school child required 20 to 30 stitches, according to coastguard official Shoichi Takeuchi.
Suishohama Beach, also known as “Diamond Beach,” has issued warnings through its tourism association, urging visitors not to approach or touch the dolphins. The association highlighted that while dolphins are typically calm, their bites can be severe, potentially dragging people underwater or causing serious injuries.
The coastguard has not determined if the incidents involve a single dolphin or multiple animals. However, cetology expert Tadamichi Morisaka from Mie University suggested that a single, identifiable dolphin could be responsible, possibly seeking interaction rather than intending harm.
