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If you see an injured or stranded dolphin, porpoise, whale, seal, or sea turtle, please contact your local stranding network. Do not try to “rescue” the animal yourself!
While people have good intentions, simply pushing an animal back into the ocean is dangerous for yourself and the animal, which may need medical attention. Marine mammals and sea turtles breathe air, so even dolphins and whales can be out of the water for a short time while trained responders assess the situation. Handling and forcing a distressed animal back into the ocean will make it harder for stranding teams to do their work, and will further stress the animal, possibly causing heart attacks or other stress responses. Trained responders can determine the best options for the situation. They are also trained on how to safely work with these animals, and provide proper and humane care. Unfortunately, people have killed animals while trying to “help” them. Further, it is illegal–these animals are protected by law, and only trained and authorized responders may handle them.
Don’t know who to call? Check our Report a Stranding webpage or call our Northeast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Entanglement Hotline at 866-755-6622.
 Cleared for release, a dolphin is transported by cart down to the beach for release. Photo: Andrea Spence/IFAW
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