Feds say N.J.'s wayward dolphins doing just fine

[December 18, 2008]  RUMSON, N.J. (AP) -- A panel of federal wildlife experts says New Jersey's wayward dolphins are just fine where they are.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration held a teleconference Wednesday to reassure those concerned that plunging temperatures would cause the 12 bottlenose dolphins to freeze to death in the rivers.

The panel insists it's more risky to move the animals than to keep them where they are.

The dolphins are at the center of a tug-of-war between federal wildlife officials -- who've said they plan to leave the dolphins alone unless they appear to be in imminent danger -- and animal rescuers, who want them either removed or coaxed out of the river and back out to sea.

The dolphins first appeared in the rivers in June.

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On the Net:

http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/njdolphins/

[Associated Press; By WAYNE PARRY]

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