Two Dolphins Rescued from Massachusetts Marsh After Stranding
WAREHAM, Mass. — In a heartening display of marine rescue efforts, two dolphins stranded in a marsh near Beaverdam Creek were successfully rescued by local and national wildlife teams on December 10, 2025. The dolphins had become trapped in the marsh area off the Weweantic River due to unusually low tides, leaving them alive but unable to return to open water on their own.
The Wareham Department of Natural Resources received reports of the dolphins’ predicament and quickly dispatched responders to the scene. Observers found the animals “alive and active on the marsh but out of the water due to the low tide,” according to the department. Recognizing the urgency, the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Marine Mammal Stranding Response Team was called in to assist with the delicate operation.
Marine mammal rescuers worked carefully to transport the dolphins into a specialized vehicle designed for safe animal transport. The animals were then taken to veterinary experts for thorough examinations to assess their health and determine whether they could be released back into their natural habitat or required rehabilitation.
This incident highlights the challenges marine wildlife face with fluctuating tides and coastal environments. Stranding events, while not uncommon, require coordinated efforts between local authorities and specialized organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. These groups provide critical expertise and resources to ensure stranded animals receive timely care.
Marine mammal strandings can occur for various reasons, including navigational errors, illness, or environmental changes. The swift response in Wareham serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness along coastal regions. The rescued dolphins’ condition will be closely monitored by veterinarians, with hopes that they will soon return to the Atlantic Ocean.
Residents and visitors to Massachusetts’ coastal areas are encouraged to report any sightings of stranded or distressed marine animals to local authorities or through NOAA’s dedicated hotline, ensuring rapid response and increased chances of survival for these creatures. More information on marine mammal strandings and how to assist can be found on the NOAA Fisheries website.
This successful rescue adds to a growing record of community and agency cooperation in protecting marine life along the eastern seaboard, underscoring the vital role of environmental stewardship in safeguarding ocean ecosystems.
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