(Connect Amarillo.com)
Dolphins attack, sexually assault porpoises in San Francisco
by Kyndel Lee-Bates
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. -- Recent studies show more and more porpoise carcasses have been washing up on Bay Area shores in California as results of attacks by ever-so-loved dolphins.
According to some research, the attacks may not only be territorial, but sexual, as well.
In a release by the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, bottlenose dolphins were reported to likely be behind an unusually high number of porpoise slayings. Porpicide, the intentional slaying of porpoises by dolphins, is not a new concept. It is, however, new to the California coast. Necropsies showed multiple fractures resulted from blunt-force trauma. Some of the porpoises also had teeth marks on their body. What stood out the most was the damage done to the genitals.
The organization is currently deciding if an Unusual Mortality Event should be declared.
This past summer, scientists with Golden Gate Cetacean Research pointed to a group of young, sexually frustrated dolphins who were more than likely protecting their territory. All of the dolphins involved are suspected to be males.
Experts say the attacks are part of the natural process.
A video of an attack is available on YouTube.
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