Lusty dolphin shuts down Brittany beach

A horny dolphin has prompted a ban on bathing on a beach in France’s western region of Brittany, over fears that the lovelorn mammal could injure holidaymakers in its pursuit of passion.

The dolphin in question has been making a nuisance of itself all summer, as it attempts to fulfill its needs and find a mate.

Last week, Landevennec Mayor Roger Lars banned bathing and diving whenever the dolphin has been spotted nearby. People are also banned from approaching the dolphin, who has been named Zafar.

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"I issued the decree to ensure people’s safety,” Lars said, Ouest-France reports. “Many bathers were very frightened. He even lifted a bather with his nose last Thursday.”

According to reports of the incident, Zafar lifted a woman out of the water by his snout and a rescue team was called to help her to safety. The Local reports this wasn’t his first attempt at bumping a bather. He was also seen rubbing himself against boats and chasing swimmers.

The ban may have had the desired effect: It was lifted Monday after it appeared that Zafar had moved on to another area to try his luck in finding a mate, human or otherwise.  

Locals report Zafar was known as being a friendly dolphin when he was hanging around the town of Plougastel-Daoulas, but his demeanor changed when mating season arrived and he started to swim near Landevennec.

Dolphins have sex year-round, but in some areas there is a peak in mating in spring and fall.

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