Wayward Calif. dolphin finally leaves wetlands

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) — A wayward dolphin that spent more than a week in a Southern California wetlands channel has made its way back to sea.

Marine mammal rescue specialist Peter Wallerstein says a volunteer watched the dolphin leave the Bolsa Chica wetlands and swim into adjacent Huntington Harbour on Friday. It hasn't been seen since.

The 5-foot-long, 250-pound common dolphin was spotted circling in the shallow waters of Bolsa Chica on April 27. Experts said it appeared healthy and may have entered the channel while chasing fish.

A day after it was spotted, the animal was coaxed toward the ocean but apparently became spooked by a pair of fellow dolphins and swam back into the channel.

However, Wallerstein says the dolphin has now left — and he thinks it will do just fine.