Video shows dolphins attacking porpoise in Monterey Bay

For the past five years, the growing number of dead harbor porpoises washing up on California shores has puzzled biologists - until now.

[Science Enthusiast]

It would appear that gang violence isn't limited to Salinas, or to humans. However, I wonder if the killings have similiar motivations. The most perplexing part of this story was, "The dolphins then bring the carcass up to the Okeanis researchers, watch them bring it aboard and then swim away. " We see this behavior in humans committing dastardly acts to show off their power as if to say "Yeah...that's right...we did it....and if you get to close, we'll do it to you too." Perhaps I'm anthropomorphizing just a little :-)

As a general rule, flipper becomes unfriendly when sexually aroused, or when nuturing their young. I'd be curious to know if either of theese possibilities are a factor in these attacks.

[les1489]

The dolphins are probably in protect mode, defending the research team from they perceive as threat to the researchers. How about that for a theory.

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm surprised these "scientists" didn't say that man depleting the food resources was causing the dolphins to kill any competition for food. Evil humans wrecking things is usually the first thing out of their mouths.

[El Commandante]

Ceteacean racism?

[Squirrel]

Maybe they realized that the Scientists were curious at what they were doing, and so brought the body over to show them. It seemed pretty simple to me, but then again..what do I know..I'm just a peon :)

[Pseudo-Phychiatr ist]

My theory is that the killer dolphins were depressed.

They saw no porpoise to life.

[Lou Dobbs]

They are Mexican Gang Dolphins that swam illegally from Mexico.

Science Enthusiast wrote:

It would appear that gang violence isn't limited to Salinas, or to humans. However, I wonder if the killings have similiar motivations. The most perplexing part of this story was, "The dolphins then bring the carcass up to the Okeanis researchers, watch them bring it aboard and then swim away. " We see this behavior in humans committing dastardly acts to show off their power as if to say "Yeah...that's right...we did it....and if you get to close, we'll do it to you too." Perhaps I'm anthropomorphizing just a little :-)
As a general rule, flipper becomes unfriendly when sexually aroused, or when nuturing their young. I'd be curious to know if either of theese possibilities are a factor in these attacks.

[Dr Kent]

It's obvious... the dolphins are racists!

[Pseudo-Phychiatr ist]

Proves my theory.

Michael Vick would have been a better fit for the Dolphins.

[Pseudo-Phychiatr ist]

"They are Mexican Gang Dolphins that swam illegally from Mexico."

I just looked out on the bay. They look like Fins to me.

[Water-Viewer]

Bob Loblaw wrote:

I'm surprised these "scientists" didn't say that man depleting the food resources was causing the dolphins to kill any competition for food. Evil humans wrecking things is usually the first thing out of their mouths.

I AGREE with you 100%!

[Yucatanman Mexico]

Its clear that the Dolphins are right wing religious politicians who have waged war and are using the press to sway public opinion. Probably funding for some type of "Blackwater Fish School" is the driver.

[Local]

I laughed at every one of these posts! Thanks, I needed that!