One paddleboarder experienced the wildlife encounter of a lifetime when a pod of Risso’s dolphins approached his craft! This adventurer was cruising the waters off Dana Point, California, when he spotted the group of aquatic mammals nearby. He was immediately awestruck by the majestic creatures. ABC 7 shared a clip of this incredible moment on social media.
Videos by InspireMore
Once the paddleboarder saw the stunning cluster of marine animals, he drew closer to them until he was practically traveling in their midst. In the mesmerizing footage below, you can clearly see the ghostly figures of Risso’s dolphins swimming alongside the man beneath the surface of the water. What a rare and exciting treat for a nature enthusiast!
“A paddleboarder in California came across a group of Risso’s dolphins while paddling off shore in search of wildlife,” reported the video’s caption.
Known as @paddlegoat on social media, this paddleboarder has had quite a few unique animal experiences while out on the water. You can check out some of his other amazing adventures here.
What are Risso’s dolphins?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Risso’s dolphins are also known as gray dolphins. These beautiful creatures are usually a light gray color, sometimes bordering on white. Most of the time, they travel in pods of 10-30. They inhabit many parts of the world.
Thankfully, NOAA tells us that Risso’s dolphins are not considered endangered in the United States. However, people do hunt them in some countries. Other dangers to these mammals include pollution, getting tangled in fishing equipment, and ocean noise.
Our planet is home to some truly magnificent animals, both underwater and on land. Videos like the one above are a wonderful reminder not to take this for granted!
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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