What To Do If You See a Stranded Dolphin on the Beach

In this powerful conservation-focused episode, Melanie speaks with Bridgette San Marcos, the Head of Education & Outreach for the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN).Together they explore how dolphins live, communicate, and thrive along the Texas coastline—and what you should do if you ever come across a stranded dolphin or marine mammal on the beach.This episode blends science, safety, compassion, and the heart of Just Hyke’s mission: empowering everyday outdoor explorers to protect the wild places and creatures we share the world with.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat “stranding” actually meansBridgette explains the different types of strandings and why marine mammals may end up sick, injured, or disoriented along our coasts. Exactly what to do if you encounter a stranded dolphinYou’ll learn the step-by-step instructions for responding safely and legally—including the one number every Texan should save: 1-800-9-MAMMAL.(Don’t push it back into the water. Don’t try to feed it. Don’t pour water on the blowhole. Bridgette explains why!)The biggest mistakes well-meaning beachgoers makeFrom crowding around the animal to attempting “rescue” on their own, Bridgette breaks down why these actions can actually cause harm.How dolphins communicate and work togetherA look into social behavior, coastal dolphin families, and how human activity affects them.Why beach ethics connect to trail ethicsThe same respect we bring to hiking—Leave No Trace, awareness, responsibility—applies directly to our coastlines. This episode beautifully bridges (no pun intended!) your conservation focus from forest to coast.How YOU can support marine wildlife conservationVolunteer opportunities, citizen reporting, educational programs, and small things you can do every time you visit the beach.📞 Save This Number (Seriously): 1-800-9-MAMMALIf you ever see a stranded dolphin, whale, or manatee on the Texas coast, call the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network immediately: 1-800-9-MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625)Your call could save a life.About the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding NetworkThe TMMSN is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and researching marine mammals along the Texas coastline. Learn more: https://www.tmmsn.orgConnect with Today’s GuestBridgette San Marcos Head of Education & Outreach Texas Marine Mammal Stranding NetworkWebsite: https://www.tmmsn.org Instagram/Facebook: @texasmarinemammalstrandingnetwork Volunteer info: https://www.tmmsn.org/volunteerSupport the Show & the Just Hyke MissionIf you loved this episode, please: • Follow the podcast • Leave a rating or review • Share the episode with a friend or hiking group • Screenshot and tag @JustHyke on Instagram so we can say hi!Black Friday Sale — 10% Off the Trailmate!Don’t forget: the Just Hyke Trailmate is on sale through November 30. Use code TEXAS10 at checkout: https://justhyke.com/trailmate