This type of care has been described for other species, including scrub jays and coyotes. Evidence indicates that in dolphins, mothering skills are based on learned as well as innate behavioral patterns, and that babysitting provides an opportunity for young females to learn how to be competent mothers. Calves are frequently observed socializing with one another while their mothers feed, with and without adult supervision. It has been speculated that the calves are learning this foraging behavior by observation and participation. Studies of other marine mammals, such as sea otters and killer whales, have suggested that youngsters develop feeding skills though imitation of the mother's feeding behaviors, not unlike many terrestrial mammals.
Shrimpers generally agree that seagulls are more annoying than the dolphins.
It appears that in Texas, especially around Galveston, the dolphins and shrimpers enjoy a relatively friendly relationship. The shrimpers enjoy watching the dolphins, often recognizing individuals and saying that the dolphins recognize their boats. This is not always the case in other parts of the Gulf coast. Dolphins are sometimes blamed for damaging nets. Some shrimpers contend that dolphins tear nets while taking fish from them, while others are certain that only sharks tear nets and dolphins remove fish gingerly, without causing damage.