Dolphins fight terror

Dozens of dolphins and sea lions trained to detect and capture underwater attackers may be sent to patrol in Washington state, USA.

According to a US Navy statement, this is a necessary action to tighten security at Kitsap-Bangor naval base near Seattle.

This base has many submarines, warships and laboratories and is at risk of being attacked by terrorists. Many protection options are being considered, but the Bottlenose Atlantic and California lions are preferred.

Dolphins can live up to 30 years old. According to LaPuzza, a spokeswoman for the marine mammal training program, thanks to surprising ability to detect strangers, this animal will be a great "patrol": when detecting suspicious objects under water, it will give warning signals to the groups in charge.

Beginning in the 1960s, the US Navy trained marine mammals and currently has about 100 trained dolphins and sea lions. Most of them are in San Diego. The navy hopes to use these animals instead of machines.

(Photo: AP, TTO)

WALL VY