Porpoise vs. Dolphin, Video From California Shows Attack

Top Five

Share This \| Related Porpoise vs. Dolphin, Video From California Shows Attack
By Gene Byrd Nov 10, 2009

Dolphin attacks off the California coast caught on video may explain seventy-four dead porpoises that have washed up on the west coast beaches. The dolphins gang up on a particular porpoise and batter it until it can no longer survive, killing the animal, according to the video.

Porpoise vs. Dolphin, Video From California Shows Attack (Image: WENN)

In the case that was caught on film by research group Okeanis, the dolphins actually deliver the carcass of the porpoise to the researchers that are filming the attack on the boat as if it were a trophy.

"We saw severe beatings," said Okeanis chief scientist Daniela Maldini. "It was a mob of dolphins." One researcher notes that they seem to 'lose interest' once the porpoise is killed.

***

The attack was filmed in the waters off California and KTVU has a video of detailed photos of several dolphin attacks. One researcher believes that the dolphins are so aggressive as they are sexually frustrated.

See the film clip here from the news station. The report notes that researchers will test the theory. Scientists now want to test the testosterone levels of the male dolphins to see if higher levels could be playing a role.

Today's Most Popular Stories: