The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network warns visitors to North Padre Island about potentially aggressive dolphins

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Authorities said the dolphin is a threat to people’s safety and the animal’s life. Biologists reported that the animal exhibits aggressive behavior, separating children from their parents in the water and isolating swimming pets from their owners.

According to authorities, human interaction is responsible for the dolphin’s behavior. For more than a year, biologists, law enforcement and area residents have been encouraging people not to feed, swim with, or interact with dolphins. While some have heeded the warnings, others continue to search for the animal.

The dolphin has become so used to humans that it now seeks out people, boats and any form of interaction, biologists said. The dolphin reportedly has wounds caused by boats.

Authorities said there were concerns about the dolphin’s safety due to increased watercraft activity over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

What to do if you see the dolphin:

Authorities are asking the public to avoid searching for the dolphin. However, if you see the dolphin, it is likely to come close to your boat.

It’s best to avoid stopping and move away slowly, maintaining course and speed. Authorities suggest keeping your hands and feet in the boat and not attempting to touch or pet the dolphin.

It will eventually leave the side of your boat once you move out of its range, experts said. If you swim and see the dolphin, get out of the water as quickly as possible to avoid possible interactions.

While the dolphin may appear friendly, authorities said it is a wild animal with unpredictable behavior.