SWIMMERS are being told to stay away from a flirty dolphin which is becoming too amorous — with humans.
Experts say the bottlenose, named Nick by locals, is displaying signs of “sexual aggression”.
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Experts say the bottlenose, named Nick by locals, is displaying signs of 'sexual aggression' Credit: Jo Quick/CornwallLive/BPM
He was filmed among bathers in Hayle Harbour, Cornwall, but had to be lured out to sea after thrashing his tail at them.
One said he had “felt something nudging him from below”.
TV naturalist Chris Packham said: “Dolphins play with interesting things in the water and this can include people.
“They can get sexually aggressive and there is a chance this dolphin could be loved-up and confused.
“Imagine you got lost and ended up in the middle of a herd of elephants.
“It would be pretty confusing. That’s like Nick, surrounded by people — but dolphins are immensely powerful and therefore dangerous.”
Nick was first spotted last summer. Katheryn Wise, of the World Animal Protection charity, said: “Lone dolphins may employ this behaviour to create social bonds.
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“This behaviour can be worsened if the dolphin is increasingly habituated to people’s presence. It is strongly advised to keep a safe distance in the water.”
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Nick was filmed among bathers in Hayle Harbour, Cornwall, but had to be lured out to sea after thrashing his tail at them Credit: Apex 3
TV naturalist Chris Packham commented that dolphins play with many things in the water, including people Credit: Oliver Dixon - The Sun
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