Sharks prefer to avoid dolphins. Dolphins are mammals that live in pods and are very clever. They know how to protect themselves. When they see an aggressive shark, they immediately attack it with the whole pod. This is why sharks avoid pods with many dolphins.

Dolphins have soft skin and a flexible skeletal structure which allows them to be efficient in a fight. The vertical tale of the shark is flat and limits their up and down mobility. Dolphins have horizontal tales allowing them to change direction quickly.

The heads of dolphins have very thick and very strong skin and act as a biological body ram. The dolphins will slam their snouts into the soft stomach of the shark which leads to serious internal trauma. They also use their snouts to hit the gills of the shark. A well placed hit can cause enough damage to kill a shark. Often, the shark is frightened by the first blow and will swim away.

Sharks are predators that swim alone while dolphins swim in pods. Anytime a member of the pod is in danger, the rest will come and help.

Probably the biggest advantage of the dolphins is their intelligence. By using echolocation they can move fast in the water making them an elusive food that is not worth the effort.

Capt. Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional charter captain she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call 239 994-2572.