Introduction

     Hey, do you love dolphins as much as I do?

     I became interested in dolphins because when I went to Florida with my family we saw a dolphin show at Sea World.

     I saw the trainers swimming with dolphins and trying to splash people.

     This inspired me to want to learn more about how dolphins interact with humans.

Dolphins and Humans

     So, the first thing I want to know is should people swim with dolphins?

     People should not be feeding or swimming with dolphins even if you see it on the internet or in photos.

     Scientists believe that when humans get too close to dolphins they cause many problems. For example, it could cause dolphins to fight, stop communicating with other dolphins, or hurt their ability to survive.

Safe Distance

     Dolphins have a reputation (what they are known for) for interacting and saving people from sharks. However, dolphins are wild animals so you should stay a far distance away and not bother them.

     People shouldn't feed or bother dolphins. You should watch them from at least 50 yards away so you can keep dolphins and people safe.

Losing Fear of Humans

     A dolphin loses its fear of humans because the human likes to feed dolphins and the dolphins like to eat food!

     Problems happen when people interact too closely with dolphins. For example, dolphins lose their natural fear. They come closer and closer to humans, and that can cause them to get injured or killed. They can also become easy targets for attacks by predators.

Problems from Feeding Dolphins

      Dolphins who are used to getting food from humans will beg for food, swim near to boats, and lose the fear of humans catching them.

     Dolphins can also become aggressive to humans.  For example, if humans give dolphins treats, the dolphins will start to expect treats. But if a dolphin doesn't get a treat, they will beg and get a little pushy and aggressive.

Injuries

     Feeding wild dolphins is illegal. It can cause them to lose their natural hunting skills. It can also cause humans to get injured from bites or getting pulled into the water.

     Also, dolphins can get hurt by boat propellers. They can get stuck in fishing hooks and lines. Some dolphins get sick from eating human food. 

Young Dolphins

     Dolphins that are young can get scared and run from their mom because they are scared of humans. But the biggest problem is if the mother dolphin doesn't teach its babies how to find food because she is used to getting handouts from humans. Then the baby dolphin will never learn how to find its own food.

Swimming with Dolphins

      A lot of people have been injured by swimming in the water with dolphins and getting bitten. Also, dolphins that got food from humans have sometimes dragged the person into the water.

     Humans can swim with dolphins only if they are captive dolphins that have been specially trained for interacting with humans. People should never swim with wild dolphins because it is not safe for either the dolphins or the humans.

Author´s Note

     I made this website because I like dolphins a lot.  Making the website made me like them even more. 

     The thing I really like about dolphins is how they can be really friendly with humans. But I learned that it's really important to stay a safe distance away from dolphins because they are wild animals.