CONSERVATIONISTS have been left stunned after witnessing a pod of dolphins attack a porpoise in Cardigan Bay.

A team from the Wildlife Trust Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre captured video footage of the attack while on a four-hour dolphin survey.

The group watched in horror as up to seven bottlenose dolphins began acting increasingly aggressive towards a young harbour porpoise.

Sarah Perry, Wildlife Trust Living Seas science officer said: “For decades we have known that bottlenose dolphins attack harbour porpoises, an act known as porpicide, a behaviour that has been documented around the world, however, the reasons for these attacks remains poorly understood.

“Interestingly this isn’t the first time we have observed this behaviour in the Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphins – in 2014, we observed this behaviour first hand on four separate occasions.”

During the latest encounter, the team photographed the dolphins involved, observed and documented their behaviour.

The pod was made up of at least two male dolphins, two females and at least two young dolphins.

Sarah said: “Although it was slightly distressing, observing aggressive behaviour such as this is really fascinating to both members of the public and to researchers alike.

“Most days I am left in awe of the dolphin’s power and stealth-like hunting abilities, their behaviours and social systems are very complex and encounters with these animals never fail to amaze me.

“There is no doubt that the bottlenose dolphins of Cardigan Bay are an inspiration to everyone that is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them.”