Buzz
Dolphins aren’t just the lovable, cheerful creatures we often imagine. They possess a darker side, with some truly surprising behaviors that may catch you off guard. When you think of a dolphin, you probably picture a graceful, silver mammal happily playing with its companions in the ocean. Or maybe you envision a well-trained dolphin at SeaWorld, excitedly performing tricks for a fish treat.
Ever since the 1964 TV show Flipper, dolphins have been seen as the epitome of intelligence, sweetness, and fun. At some point, didn’t we all dream of becoming marine biologists just so we could “play with the dolphins” for a living?
Though dolphins are undeniably intelligent (so much so that even the U.S. Navy employs them), and can certainly be playful and affectionate, these adored creatures also have a much darker side. Here are ten unsettling truths that might make you reconsider your career choice.
10. They Have Been Known to Bite Humans
With between 80 and 100 teeth, bottlenose dolphins are fully capable of using their bite to capture and tear apart prey. Yet, occasionally, they direct that same forceful bite towards humans.
In 2012, a captive dolphin at SeaWorld Orlando bit an eight-year-old girl’s hand. The girl had been feeding the dolphin fish but ran out and raised a paper plate. In response, the dolphin jumped out of the water, seized her hand, and pulled her toward the water before releasing her.
Bites from wild dolphins are also a concern. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported numerous incidents, including cases where wild dolphins have dragged people underwater.
One such incident involved a woman who began by feeding two wild dolphins. She then decided to swim with them, a choice that quickly turned dangerous. One of the dolphins bit her leg and refused to release its grip, forcing her to wrench her leg free. The injuries she sustained led to a week-long hospital stay.
9. Dolphins Do Attack (and Some Attacks Can Be Fatal)
Dolphins aren't shy about attacking humans, and when they do, the consequences can sometimes be deadly. One such instance occurred in 1994 in San Paulo, Brazil.
Two men were on the beach when they spotted a dolphin swimming close to the shore. They decided to approach the wild dolphin, wading into the water. At first, everything seemed calm as the dolphin floated on the surface, allowing them to pet it. However, without warning, the dolphin turned and charged at both men. One of the men suffered fatal internal injuries. It's believed the dolphin attacked due to stress.
8. Dolphins Are Tactical Assassins
Dolphins are highly organized hunters, coordinating their efforts during an attack. Each dolphin has a specific role in the hunt. One of their most effective tactics involves herding fish into a “bait ball.” Working together, the dolphins circle the fish, gradually tightening the formation until the bait ball is formed. As the fish are confined, the dolphins take turns darting through the group, snatching up prey as they go.
In shallower waters, dolphins also work in unison to drive fish toward the shore. Once the fish are in range, the dolphins thrust their bodies onto the shore, forcing water and fish up with them. As the water recedes, the dolphins simply open their mouths, and the fish slide right in.
7. Dolphins Hunt in Massive Packs
Typically, a dolphin group, known as a 'pod,' consists of about 10 to 15 dolphins. But when they hunt, the numbers can swell significantly—sometimes up to 1,000 dolphins or more. These enormous groups are called 'super pods' and can instill fear in any prey unlucky enough to become their target.
6. Dolphins Don't Just Eat, They Beat Up Their Food
Ever hear your mom tell you not to play with your food? Dolphins never got that memo. And when they 'play' with their meals, things can get pretty intense.
One way dolphins 'play' with their food is through a technique called fish-kicking or fish-whacking. In this method, dolphins use their tail flippers like a bat, slamming fish into the air. The fish fall back into the water, dazed and easy for the dolphin to snatch up and swallow whole.
Another favorite 'plaything' for dolphins is the octopus. Since an octopus’s tentacles can remain active even after death, dolphins must disable them before eating. They achieve this in some rather violent ways.
One method dolphins use is to grab the octopus in their mouth, surface, and then slam the octopus down onto the water with such force that its body breaks apart. If that doesn't do the trick, they’ll thrash their heads from side to side, shaking the octopus violently above the water until it’s torn to pieces. Dolphins will even throw the octopus through the air, further breaking it apart.
5. Dolphins Kill Other Animals for Pleasure
Unlike most animals, dolphins sometimes appear to kill not for food, but for reasons unknown. Their aggression is often aimed at porpoises, which they do not eat and which aren’t considered rivals.
New evidence shows that dolphins have been observed using their beaks as clubs and slashing with rows of sharp teeth, often bludgeoning porpoises to death in gruesome numbers. With no apparent reason for these killings, it seems the dolphins might just enjoy the act itself, which is a chilling thought.
4. Dolphins Kill Each Other’s Offspring
In 2013, scientists from Savannah State University made a significant discovery by being the first to document a wild bottlenose dolphin giving birth. Tragically, right after the birth, two male dolphins attacked the newborn calf. Thankfully, the calf survived the brutal half-hour assault, largely due to its mother fiercely defending it.
Sadly, not all calves are so fortunate. There have been reports of bottlenose dolphin calves found dead, with injuries such as blunt force trauma and bite marks consistent with those inflicted by adult bottlenose dolphins.
3. Dolphins Can Be Bullies Just for Fun
When you see dolphins leaping in the waves while you're out in the ocean, you might be tempted to get closer for a better look. But be careful—what you see might not be as friendly as it seems.
On April 27, 2018, in Western Australia, Andrew Hill was paddleboarding when a group of dolphins appeared behind him in the waves. Hill recalled, “Eight or nine of them decided to catch that wave and surf straight at me, which has happened plenty of times before, and usually, they just veer off to one side or the other.”
Although a little shaken, Hill managed to get back on his board without any injuries. He remarked, “It’s always great to see dolphins. Surfers love seeing dolphins, but I’d definitely prefer if they stayed a bit further away than they did yesterday.”
2. Dolphins Share Their Hunting Techniques
Dolphins are exceptional hunters, whether they’re hunting alone or in coordinated groups. They have a variety of strategies in their repertoire to tackle different prey. What makes them even more intimidating is their ability to constantly innovate and develop new methods by learning from one another.
One of the techniques passed down through generations is known as “shelling.” In this method, a dolphin will chase a small fish into a shell. The dolphin then uses its beak to pull the shell out of the water, shakes it, and as the water drains out, the fish falls right into their mouth.
By learning from each other, dolphins continuously evolve and refine their hunting techniques, making them increasingly effective predators.
1. Male Dolphins Physically Coerce Females During Mating
When male dolphins are ready to mate, their behavior can turn violent. Working together in groups, they use aggression to overpower females and prevent them from escaping their advances.
The process begins when two or more males team up to chase and isolate a female from the rest of the pod. During this chase, the males may strike her with their tails, bite her, charge at her, or even forcefully collide with her.
The male dolphins then call the female over to them. If she refuses, the males will escalate their threats or attacks. These interactions can continue for hours or even days, revealing a darker side to dolphin mating behavior that shatters the idea of dolphins as gentle creatures.
+ It's Not All Dark and Dangerous
Dolphins don't always focus on dark or dangerous behavior. At times, they indulge in playful actions that can be risky, even to themselves. One such game involves dolphins seeking out pufferfish, tossing them around like a ball. Not only do they enjoy the game, but they also get a little high from the toxins released by the pufferfish.
