Re: [Paddlewise] Whales

From: "Shawn W. Baker" <baker_at_montana.com>

> That said, however, the g'ummint has no say in where the
> cetaceans/pinnipeds choose to swim.  If they choose to swim toward you
> or let you touch them, I guarantee the powers-that-be won't ticket the
> creatures on the other side of our air-water interface.
 
Maybe not but if you get into the water and decide to swim with them 
and they "allow" you to pet them, the powers-that-be may decide to 
slap a hefty fine on *you.*  Such was the case of a woman who dove into 
the water offshore to swim with whales while her husband video taped
the event under water (she thought they were being very friendly in 
allowing her to pet them).  One of the whales decided to take her for a
"ride" and grabbed her leg and held her under water for a long period.  
She was very nearly killed and was slapped with a pretty large fine after 
she recovered.   People should be aware of the risks (not unlike people
wanting to get out of the car to pet the nice, furry, harmless-looking 
"Bullwinkle").  Folks need to remember these are wild creatures and 
the ocean is not Sea World.

Jackie

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