Rare dolphin strand feeding behavior observed in Lowcountry

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - In the salty creeks and marshes of the Lowcountry, a remarkable and rare feeding behavior unfolds, one that makes dolphins part-time beach goers - strand feeding.

Strand feeding is when dolphins here (mostly Tursiops erebennus, Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins) herd schools of fish like mullet or menhaden toward the beach or muddy banks, then launch themselves partially out of the water to snatch their stranded prey.

The dolphins temporarily beach themselves to consume their prize, and remarkably, they always land on their right side, according to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN).

Why is this hunting technique unique to the Lowcountry?

Strand feeding is a rare and unique scene to witness in South Carolina and parts of coastal Georgia.

The LMMN tells