Featured Image Credit: Julia Cumes/IFAW
By:Sarah Sharkey
10 dolphins were recently released at Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown after a mass stranding event near Blackfish Creek in Wellfleet. The rescue effort was spearheaded by the International Fund for Animals Welfare (IFAW).
The stranding occurred near Cape Cod which is a very active stranding site for dolphins every year. According to a veterinarian with IFAW, Sarah Sharp, “Cape Cod is a very busy stranding area, it’s a hot spot in the world. When dolphins get into that area if they don’t leave soon enough and the tide starts to go out, they can become confused very easily.”
The rescue of these particular dolphins was difficult due to a muddy stranding area. The team had to work quickly to access, tag, transport and release the animals. Of the 18 total dolphins stranded, the team was able to save 10, eight males and two females.
Last year was a record setting year for rescues by the IFAW team, but fortunately this year is not on track to break the record. Without the hard work of this crew countless dolphins could be left stranded on beaches in the Cape Cod area every year.
The team asks that if you see a marine animal in distress, immediately call a rescue team for help. Approaching the animal will only cause it more stress and cost valuable time for the rescue crew. Every minute counts in a rescue effort, so please call right away if possible.
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