Healthy dolphin discovered in creek

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A bottlenose dolphin was discovered in a creek not far from the Chesapeake Bay, which may have been a result of Hurricane Irene's increased water levels. 

It is not uncommon to see dolphins in the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, but this 6-8 foot coastal dolphin was discovered in Diascund Creek off the Chickahominy River, officials from the Virginia Aquarium said.

While not trapped, the animal has been in the area for at least three days.

On Wednesday, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center responded by sending five Stranding Team Response members.

The stranding team assessed the dolphin's condition by observing behavior from kayaks for several hours.

The team said the dolphin is still free to swim and exhibiting typical dolphin behaviors. It is breathing normally and may even be feeding, which are all key elements to the general good condition of the wild animal.

With permission from NOAA, a zodiac water craft was deployed by the team to gently herd the animal south down the creek just beyond the Diascund Creek Reservoir.

Ideally, the animal will naturally find its way to deeper waters, and if necessary, another attempt at herding the dolphin may be made.

Aquarium officials said it is illegal to feed or harass dolphins, as bottlenose dolphins are protected under the Federal Marine Mammals Protection Act. Any kind of human attention by land or boat further stresses the animal and it may cause it to go further up the river, which will jeopardize the animal's survival.

To report violations of this law, call 1-800-853-1964.