Record-setting dolphin stranding reported on Cape Cod

Multiplatform Content Director

Marine mammal rescuers are monitoring dozens of bottlenose dolphins after the largest known stranding of the species in Massachusetts, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

IFAW said its team responded to 34 dolphins stranded in an area between First Light Beach and Ellis Landing in Brewster, Massachusetts, around 5:30 a.m. Monday. The animals returned to the water as the incoming tide reached the beach, but five or six dolphins died before rescuers arrived.

The animals then began swimming north toward Wellfleet Harbor, an area rescuers described as particularly difficult for dolphins to navigate. IFAW positioned scouts at beaches between Ellis Landing and Wellfleet Pier to track the dolphins and watch for additional animals.

IFAW reported that its vessel crews ended up guiding a group of approximately 50 dolphins south and out of Wellfleet Harbor.

Teams planned to remain in the area through Monday evening’s low tide. Additional scouts were expected to return early Tuesday to look for any dolphins that may have become separated from the group or stranded again.

Why Cape Cod is a stranding hot spot

Bottlenose dolphins usually live farther offshore, but IFAW said the species has increasingly been spotted closer to Cape Cod in recent years. The organization described Monday’s incident as the largest known bottlenose dolphin stranding off Massachusetts.

The inner Cape, particularly the curved coastline around Wellfleet and Eastham, is considered a global hot spot for mass strandings. Large tidal swings and broad, shallow flats can make it difficult for dolphins to navigate back into deeper water once the tide begins to recede.

IFAW warned beachgoers not to attempt a rescue on their own.

“Dolphins can become injured and exhausted during a stranding event and should never be pushed or dragged back into the water,” IFAW said.

What to do if you see a stranded dolphin

Anyone who encounters a stranded or distressed dolphin or other marine mammal should keep a safe distance, keep pets away and contact trained rescuers through IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Research stranding hotline. People should not pour water on an animal, cover its blowhole or try to move it unless directed by experts.

IFAW said it would provide additional information as the response continued.