Featured Image Credit: Karen Munro via BBC News
By Laura O’Brien
A nature photographer named Karen Munro was stunned to find Dunnet Bay, Scotland filled to the brim with Risso’s dolphins and pilot whales. Although the spectacle made for some excellent photography, Munro was concerned that the animals may become stranded. She urged anyone who sees a stranded dolphin or whale to call the British Divers Marine Life Rescue. Around the world, organizations like British Divers Marine Life Rescue are available to respond to calls about stranded marine life; so if you spot an animal that’s in trouble, don’t hesitate to call your local stranding or conservation center!
Fortunately for the cetaceans that Munro spotted, the threat of stranding seems to have subsided; because it appears that the dolphins and whales have all found their way out of the bay. Pilot whales usually travel in groups with about 10 to 30 individuals, but Munro believes there were nearly 40 pilot whales in the bay, so the pod appears to have been somewhat large. Occasionally pilot whales can be found in pods with as many as 100 members or more. Meanwhile, Risso’s dolphins live in even greater numbers. Their groups tend to be comprised of up to 50 members, but according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), schools with up to 4,000 have been observed.
Karen Munro certainly gained an amazing experience when she came across all of these beautiful creatures! We’re glad she had her camera.
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