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Had a dolphin try to steal my wrench in the Gulf last Tuesday
It grabbed it right out of my tool pouch, played keep-away for five minutes, then dropped it in the silt. Anyone have a good trick for keeping curious wildlife off your gear?
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black.jordan18d ago
That dolphin was probably just being social, not trying to steal. I've worked with marine mammals for years and they often bring objects to people to start a game. It dropping your wrench wasn't a prank, it was likely an invitation to play fetch. They see shiny tools as toys. I'd take it as a compliment that it wanted to interact with you.
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laura_lane17d ago
Ever try keeping a cheap pool toy on the boat for exactly this? @black.jordan is right about the play thing, but you gotta manage it. Next time that dolphin shows up, toss the toy far away the second you see it. They'll go for the bright thing you threw, not the tool in your hand. It's like redirecting a really smart, wet dog with thumbs. Saves your gear and lets them have their fun without wrecking your work day.
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lily_schmidt5318d ago
Guess I'll add "dolphin toy tester" to my resume then. My bad for not realizing a ten pound wrench was actually a fancy fetch stick. Next time I'll bring a ball and leave my tools on the boat, since my job is apparently underwater recess monitor now. Still feels like a prank when you're trying to fix an engine and a dolphin runs off with your gear. Maybe it was just a really bad game of keep-away.
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