|
Interaction with other species
Bottle-nose dolphins have been seen in groups of toothed whales
such as pilot whales, spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins,
and rough-toothed dolphins. They have been seen riding pressure
waves of gray whales, humpback whales, and right whales. They
often force Pacific white-sided dolphins away from prime spots
in the waves.
Dolphins respond to sharks with tolerance, avoidance, and
aggression. Their natural enemies are sharks and killer whales.
Tiger sharks elicit the strongest responses from dolphins.
Dolphins have been observed attacking, and sometimes killing,
sharks in the wild. Some dolphins in the wild regularly solicit
attention, such as touching and feeding, from humans.Dolphins
have defined home ranges, an area in which they will roam
and feed. Though dolphins live in small pods, these pods can
be quite fluid and dolphins can be seen interacting with dolphins
from other pods from time to time.
Protection and Care
If another bottlenose dolphin is drowning, other dolphins
will come to it's aid, supporting it with their bodies so
it's blowhole is above the water allowing it to breathe. Large
adult males often roam the periphery of a pod, and may afford
some protection against predators.
|
