School Of Dolphins Spotted on North Fork

NORTH FORK, NY - A school of dolphins paid a visit to the North Fork this week, captivating delighted onlookers.

According to Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, the dolphins were spotted in Orient Harbor.

Rachel Bosworth of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation said it is common to see dolphins in local waters.

The most important thing for the public to know, she said is that they must maintain a minimum distance of 50 yards, or 150 feet, at all times. "They are federally protected animals, and interaction can have detrimental effects on their health and well being. They are wild, so it is best to leave them be. Also, interacting with them falls under harassment," she said.

If the animals appear to be healthy and not in need of assistance, they will be left to swim freely. If that does change for any reason, then the Foundation would intervene, she said.

Photos courtesy of Patty Hocker.