<p>In this powerful conservation-focused episode, Melanie speaks with <strong>Bridgette San Marcos</strong>, the <strong>Head of Education &amp; Outreach</strong> for the <strong>Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN)</strong>.</p><p>Together they explore how dolphins live, communicate, and thrive along the Texas coastline—<strong>and what you should do if you ever come across a stranded dolphin or marine mammal on the beach.</strong></p><p>This episode blends science, safety, compassion, and the heart of Just Hyke’s mission: <strong>empowering everyday outdoor explorers to protect the wild places and creatures we share the world with.</strong></p><p><strong>What You’ll Learn in This Episode</strong></p><p><strong>What “stranding” actually means</strong></p><p>Bridgette explains the different types of strandings and why marine mammals may end up sick, injured, or disoriented along our coasts.</p><p> <strong>Exactly what to do if you encounter a stranded dolphin</strong></p><p>You’ll learn the step-by-step instructions for responding safely and legally—including the <strong>one number every Texan should save</strong>: <strong>1-800-9-MAMMAL</strong>.</p><p>(Don’t push it back into the water. Don’t try to feed it. Don’t pour water on the blowhole. Bridgette explains why!)</p><p><strong>The biggest mistakes well-meaning beachgoers make</strong></p><p>From crowding around the animal to attempting “rescue” on their own, Bridgette breaks down why these actions can actually cause harm.</p><p><strong>How dolphins communicate and work together</strong></p><p>A look into social behavior, coastal dolphin families, and how human activity affects them.</p><p><strong>Why beach ethics connect to trail ethics</strong></p><p>The same respect we bring to hiking—Leave No Trace, awareness, responsibility—applies directly to our coastlines. This episode beautifully bridges (no pun intended!) your conservation focus from forest to coast.</p><p><strong>How YOU can support marine wildlife conservation</strong></p><p>Volunteer opportunities, citizen reporting, educational programs, and small things you can do every time you visit the beach.</p><p>📞 <strong>Save This Number (Seriously): 1-800-9-MAMMAL</strong></p><p>If you ever see a stranded dolphin, whale, or manatee on the Texas coast, call the <strong>Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network</strong> immediately: <strong>1-800-9-MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625)</strong></p><p>Your call could save a life.</p><p><strong>About the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network</strong></p><p>The <strong>TMMSN</strong> is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and researching marine mammals along the Texas coastline. </p><p>Learn more: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tmmsn.org">https://www.tmmsn.org</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Today’s Guest</strong></p><p><strong>Bridgette San Marcos</strong> Head of Education &amp; Outreach Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network</p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tmmsn.org">https://www.tmmsn.org</a> Instagram/Facebook: @texasmarinemammalstrandingnetwork Volunteer info: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tmmsn.org/volunteer">https://www.tmmsn.org/volunteer</a></p><p><strong>Support the Show &amp; the Just Hyke Mission</strong></p><p>If you loved this episode, please: • Follow the podcast • Leave a rating or review • Share the episode with a friend or hiking group • Screenshot and tag <strong>@JustHyke</strong> on Instagram so we can say hi!</p><p><strong>Black Friday Sale — 10% Off the Trailmate!</strong></p><p>Don’t forget: the <strong>Just Hyke Trailmate</strong> is on sale through November 30. Use code <strong>TEXAS10</strong> at checkout: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/trailmate">https://justhyke.com/trailmate</a></p>