2 Lost Dolphins Attracting Fans Near San Francisco

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (AP) — Crowds of people have been gathering at an industrial canal off San Francisco Bay to cheer on two wayward dolphins.

The two bottlenose dolphins have been swimming in the small canal since Wednesday night, and there are indications one may be ill.

Jim Oswald of the Marine Mammal Center told the San Francisco Chronicle that the skin color of one of the dolphins is showing signs that it may have been in the canal's brackish water for too long.

Scientists said they will take a closer look if the animals stay put for more than 24 hours, and that the tides would likely dictate when they leave.

Colma Creek, where the dolphins are swimming, runs through an industrial area of South San Francisco.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.