An unidentified idiot was videotaped “riding” a sperm whale off Pompanio Beach, Florida on Sunday.
The whale was reportedly fighting the rip current at the time of the incident. It died shortly thereafter from an unknown cause. Witnesses say one, possibly two individuals, repeatedly climbed atop the dying whale in an effort to “ride” it.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's southeast regional coordinator Blair Mase told NBC Miami that the whale was obviously sick at the time of the idiot rodeo. “This whale was likely ill or injured and that is why it came in so close to shore,” Mase said. “This type of harassment could have caused more harm and added stress to an already stressed whale and ultimately caused its demise.”
Despite the fact that riding or harassing a sperm whale, or any other marine mammal, is against federal law, there is no plan to track down the individual or individuals who rode the whale. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Jorge Pino told NBC that the decision to pursue criminal charges ultimately rests with NOAA. “The only way that we would get involved in that is if NOAA asks us to assist in a criminal investigation,” he said.
What do you think? Should NOAA go after this guy? Comment below!
Comments (7)
dey shood lyk totly arrestt dem cuz none speurm wals lyk 2 b harassssedded lyk dat
jcarlin,
Outdoor enthusiasts love wildlife and do their best to honor, educate and help wildlife to prosper. When people disrespect wildlife and contribute to the death of wildlife they are probably breaking a law that leads to some sort of prosecution. The point of prosecuting in this instance is to set a precedent that protects wildlife from idiots and idiots from themselves. Maybe they should try the circus or carnival.......
I somehow doubt they realized it was dying and were trying to harass it.
I further doubt punishing them will be helpful. The govt doesn't always need to "Do Something!", we already have too much of that. In this case, two people decided to ride one of, if not the largest, toothed carnivore on the planet. 1) They'll probably never get another opportunity to do such a thing anyway. 2) That kind of behavior tends to be self limiting.
Unless you're worried about protecting idiots, certainly not an endangered population, what's the point of prosecuting?
Did they last 8 seconds???
By all means, go after them. There's no excuse for this kind of unnecessary cruelty.
Agreed.
Yes, go after them with the full force of the law.
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Agreed.
I somehow doubt they realized it was dying and were trying to harass it.
I further doubt punishing them will be helpful. The govt doesn't always need to "Do Something!", we already have too much of that. In this case, two people decided to ride one of, if not the largest, toothed carnivore on the planet. 1) They'll probably never get another opportunity to do such a thing anyway. 2) That kind of behavior tends to be self limiting.
Unless you're worried about protecting idiots, certainly not an endangered population, what's the point of prosecuting?
Yes, go after them with the full force of the law.
By all means, go after them. There's no excuse for this kind of unnecessary cruelty.
Did they last 8 seconds???
jcarlin,
Outdoor enthusiasts love wildlife and do their best to honor, educate and help wildlife to prosper. When people disrespect wildlife and contribute to the death of wildlife they are probably breaking a law that leads to some sort of prosecution. The point of prosecuting in this instance is to set a precedent that protects wildlife from idiots and idiots from themselves. Maybe they should try the circus or carnival.......
dey shood lyk totly arrestt dem cuz none speurm wals lyk 2 b harassssedded lyk dat
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)