Cape Cod Bay becomes a hotspot for dolphin strandings when the tide goes out. For the local rescue teams, the last month has been incredibly busy. Cape Cod bay is highly productive with lots of zooplankton and fish swimming around. Attracted by the plentiful buffet, dolphins come too close to shore and get stuck in the thick mud when the tide goes out.
More than 40 dolphins found themselves in such a sticky situation over the last month. For 34 of them, the IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Research team was able to intervene. They used a specialize stretcher with giant wheels to transport the dolphin out of the mud and back to the clinic. If deemed healthy enough, the animal was released in a safer part of the ocean.
Sadly, help came too late for nine of the stranded dolphins. IFAW stresses that one should stay at a safe distance when coming across a stranded animal and the rescue team should be alerted immediately.
The full article can be found here: Dolphins stranded in Cape Cod Bay: Rescuers have been 'incredibly busy' (bostonherald.com)