Dolphins are not usually dangerous to humans, but they are powerful wild predators and can injure people, especially when stressed, provoked, or handled improperly. Treating them like friendly pets (for example in “swim- with-dolphins” attractions or by approaching wild dolphins closely) significantly increases the risk of bites, ramming, or other aggressive behavior.
How dolphins can be dangerous
- Dolphins have strong jaws and sharp teeth and have caused lacerations, “tooth rake” wounds, broken bones, and internal injuries to people during close-contact encounters.
- In captivity and crowded tourism settings, stress and frustration can make dolphins more likely to show aggression such as biting, butting, or rough sexual behavior toward humans.
How common are attacks?
- Documented serious attacks on humans are rare compared with how often people encounter dolphins, but they are well known enough that safety guidelines and regulations warn against direct interaction.
- Marine and wildlife agencies emphasize that dolphins are apex predators capable of harming other large animals, so the potential for severe injury exists even if most encounters stay benign.
Staying safe around dolphins
- Experts recommend observing wild dolphins from a distance (often around 50 yards/meters or more) and never feeding, chasing, or trying to touch them.
- Avoid swim-with-dolphin attractions and any situation where you are encouraged to grab, ride, or closely handle dolphins, both for your safety and the animals’ welfare.
