In a surprising scene that drew the attention of residents and first responders alike, a dolphin was spotted swimming through the Milburn Canal in Freeport Friday afternoon.

The dolphin was first seen around 12:30 p.m. near Dock Drive, about two-thirds of the way up the canal. Glenn Butterfield, of Seaford, was cleaning his boat when he noticed the unusual visitor.

“There was a dolphin that was right out here swimming. It caught me off guard,” said Butterfield. “You don’t see them this far in at all.”

The presence of a marine mammal in the narrow canal quickly prompted a response from police and the fire department, which attempted to guide the dolphin back toward the open ocean. Despite their efforts, the dolphin repeatedly swam away.

“He kept going back and forth, back and forth,” said John Miller, of Freeport, who was among the onlookers. “It was really quite interesting. I hope he’s healthy and finds his way back out to where he belongs.”

The New York Marine Rescue Center is now monitoring the dolphin's movements. Officials say a plan is being developed to ensure the animal’s safety.