Dolphins are quite the majestic animals, and if you've ever caught a glimpse of a pod, you probably weren't able to keep your eyes off them.
Research has shown that dolphins are incredibly intelligent mammals, which make us admire them even more.
"If we use relative brain size as a metric of 'intelligence' then one would have to conclude that dolphins are second in intelligence to modern humans," Lori Marino, a senior lecturer in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University, who performed several MRI scans on dolphin brains, said.
Having said that, this adorable sea animal isn't as gentle as you might think.
Recently, a beach in Brittany, France is banning visitors from swimming because of a lone male dolphin. The reason why is causing quite a stir.
The Bizarre Reason
The three-meter dolphin, which has been nicknamed Zafar, has been rubbing himself against small boats and kayaks for sexual gratification.
He has also been trying to stop people from swimming away from him. In one instance, he used his nose to push one woman out of the water and up into the air.
What's unusual is that he wasn't like this before.
According to previous reports, Zafar swam around those waters for months, amusing tourists and letting them grab his dorsal fin for a swim.
Since a few weeks ago, he stopped being playful and started terrorizing swimmers instead.
"Swimming and diving are banned on the village shoreline... whenever the presence of the dolphin is confirmed," said a new bylaw by the mayor of Landévennec, Roger Lars. "Approaching within 50 meters of the dolphin is also forbidden."
It's quite rare to hear about dolphins displaying their sexual frustrations towards humans, but they still may not be as sweet and loving we make them out to be.
What Many Don't Know About Dolphins
Like humans, dolphins mate at any time of the year and appear to enjoy recreational sex.
But according to wildlife experts, there are awful things that male dolphins will do for sex.
Research has found that male dolphins may aggressively force a female into having sex or kill her calf to persuade her to be more receptive.
Reactions To The Ban
Some people think the mayor went too far and ruined the reputation of dolphins.
"The mayor wants to make dolphins look like almost ferocious beasts, completely unpredictable and likely to drown people," said Erwan Le Cornec in a statement, according to the Telegraph.
"If you were to apply these rules across the board, whenever a pedestrian approaches a dog, even if it is on a leash, all the mayors in... France should issue bylaws banning pedestrians in town," he added.
While many people analyzed this situation from a scientific point of view, others just got a good laugh.
Is it doing that on porpoise?
— Neil Garlick (@wbdragons) August 27, 2018
"Guess the dolphin was just looking for Free Willy," someone wrote on UNILAD's Facebook post.
"Second story like this in a week, first seals having their way with penguins now dolphins.. what's in the water ... besides plastic," another commented.
"He can't find any FEMALE dolphins that will have him??? Lol."
