Do Dolphins Attack Humans More Than Sharks?

Dolphins may seem friendly, but they can be aggressive in the wild. If you’ve ever wondered whether dolphins actually attack people more often than sharks, you’re not alone.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Research shows that while dolphin attacks are relatively rare, dolphins can be aggressive and have injured humans both intentionally and accidentally. However, shark attacks still occur more frequently overall.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore dolphin attack statistics, examine what motivates dolphins to strike humans, compare dolphin and shark aggression, and provide tips to stay safe around wild dolphins and sharks.

Dolphin Attack Statistics and Data

Annual worldwide dolphin attack figures

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there are approximately 2-3 unprovoked dolphin attacks on humans per year. This is far less than the 60-100 annual shark attacks. Experts believe many dolphin attacks go unreported, but the data shows sharks are still responsible for significantly more bites.

Between 1990-2020, there were only around 50 confirmed reports of dolphins targeting humans. Most occurred in the United States, Brazil, Britain and Australia.

Context around dolphin attacks

Dolphins are highly intelligent, social animals that interact with humans regularly without incident. Attacks almost always involve isolated, captive, sick or defensive dolphins. Wild dolphins become aggressive towards humans when they feel cornered/threatened, are competing for fish, or protecting injured pod members.

Cases when dolphins have bitten, butted or sexually harassed swimmers are extremely rare relative to how often people swim with them.

Captive dolphins have more reported assaults, likely due to cramped, stressful living conditions. They can exhibit aggression, frustration and dominance behaviors. Male dolphins in particular have made sexual advances on trainers and swimmers on occasion.

Signs precede most attacks, like erratic behavior, refusal to comply with commands or chasing/ramming pool walls.

When, where and why dolphin attacks occur

The majority of dolphin attacks on humans have occurred in ocean pens/pools rather than the wild. Males kept captive alone or in abnormal social groups are often implicated. Attacks also happen when sick/injured dolphins lash out in pain/fear when netted for medical exams.

In the wild, dangerous interactions typically occur when swimmers approach dolphin pods closely. These incidents spike slightly during mating periods or when calves are present. Bull male dolphins can display aggression while competing for receptive females.

Females are also more protective when calves are vulnerable to predators.

Regions like Brazil and Australia see more run-ins simply because more people use beaches year-round. Warmer low and high seasons mean dolphins and humans overlap in coastal waters continuously.

Dolphin vs Shark Attack Comparisons

Relative risk to humans from each species

When it comes to relative risk to humans, sharks are often seen as the more dangerous species. However, dolphins may attack humans more often than widely believed. According to the International Shark Attack File, there are only around 150 shark attacks globally each year.

Comparatively, dolphins are involved in violent incidents towards humans at a similar or greater rate.

For example, one 2021 study analyzed over 29 years of bottlenose dolphin incidents in Brazil and found over 39 attacks and three human deaths in which dolphins were the clear aggressors. So while any attack can be traumatic, statistically sharks attack less frequently than many imagine from pop culture depictions.

Differing motivations behind dolphin and shark attacks

Another key difference is motives. Sharks tend to attack humans due to mistaken identity or curiosity. Dolphins, however, may attack perceiving humans as threats, establishing dominance, territoriality, or even play aggression getting out of hand.

For example, male dolphins have been documented attacking female humans seemingly as simulated mating attempts.

• Shark attack motivations:
  • Mistaken identity – a human is confused for normal shark prey like a seal
  • Curiosity – exploratory bites to examine something unfamiliar in their environment
• Dolphin attack motivations:
  • Perceived threats – aggression when feeling threatened or protective
  • Dominance – establishing authority, especially by male dolphins
  • Territoriality – defending or claiming certain areas
  • Play getting too rough – dolphins are highly intelligent and social

Misconceptions around dolphins as always friendly

Finally, there are major misconceptions that dolphins are always friendly, happy creatures based on portrayals like TV shows and movies. In reality, dolphins can display aggressive behavior, rage, violence, and dominance towards each other as well as humans.

Much is still being uncovered about the true nature of these wild animals.

So while dolphins can bond closely with humans, exhibit playfulness, and display intelligence via communication, they remain powerful wild animals that can be provoked, territorial, sexually aggressive, and do attack on occasion.

More education is needed around the misconceptions that dolphins are universally docile companions to humans across contexts. Their behavior, motivations, and capacity for aggression appear more complex than traditionally depicted in media and entertainment.

How To Stay Safe Around Wild Dolphins and Sharks

Interacting with wild dolphins and sharks can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips for staying safe around these amazing marine animals:

Dolphins

Dolphins are highly intelligent and generally peaceful creatures. However, they are still wild animals and can be unpredictable.

• Avoid sudden movements – Slowly and calmly enter the water if dolphins approach.
• Don’t chase or touch – Allow dolphins to initiate close interaction if they choose.
• Watch behavior cues – Aggressive behavior like rapid movement, arched backs, or loud vocalizations signal discomfort.
• Give space – Back off if dolphins seem disturbed, stressed, or if groups appear too large.
• Supervise children – Don’t let kids splash or scream near dolphins which could scare them.

Remember that harassment of marine mammals is illegal. If dolphins voluntarily engage and socialize, great! But let them control the situation.

Sharks

Despite their fearsome reputation, most sharks are not inherently dangerous to humans. Still, caution is warranted:

• Swim in groups – Attacks are rarer when sharks perceive multiple threats rather than an isolated victim.
• Avoid dawn/dusk – Shark activity peaks at crepuscular times with low light and low visibility.
• Don’t enter bloody water – Blood provokes shark curiosity and food drive which can lead to bites.
• Steer clear of steep drop offs – These transition areas are ambush points attractive to sharks.
• Watch for signs – cookie cutter sharks leave neat round bites while white sharks inflict massive jagged tears.

While shark encounters are unlikely, it’s wise to exercise prudence for your safety and theirs. Remember that we are guests in their environment.

By respecting wild dolphins and sharks, staying vigilant, and not putting yourself in tempting situations, you can marvel at these animals and make special memories. Just use common sense, and odds are everyone goes home happy and healthy!

Conclusion

While dolphins don’t attack people nearly as often as sharks do, they can be aggressive in the wild and have injured humans. Understanding the data around dolphin attacks and respecting wild dolphins’ space is key to staying safe.

Ultimately, probability-wise sharks still pose a greater overall risk to people. But both species deserve appreciation and caution in their natural habitats.