Officials say dolphin stabbed with ‘spike-like object’ found dead on Florida beach

A dolphin found dead off Florida’s Gulf Coast stabbed with a “spike-like object”, said federal officials have appealed for public help to bring the mammal killer to justice.

The bottlenose dolphin was found March 24 on Fort Myers Beach with an obvious wound near its right eye, according to a statement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“A non-human autopsy showed the dolphin was stabbed in the head with a spear-like object while alive,” according to the statement. “Further examination revealed that the wound, above the right eye, was infected prior to the animal’s death. The dolphin was a lactating adult female. The animal appeared to have died from the trauma that occurred. at or near the time of death.”

The nursing dolphin may have been illegally fed by a human when it was severely injured, officials said.

“Based on the shape, size and characteristics of the wound, it is suspected that the dolphin was stabbed while in a begging position,” NOAA said. “Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is often associated with illegal feeding.”

This dolphin, with its head above the water and its mouth open at the time it was stabbed, may have been used to illegal food from humansOne action could reduce harm for generations, officials say.

“Those dolphins have learned to associate humans with food,” said NOAA Branch Manager Laura Engelby NBC affiliate WBBH. “Once they learn that, they teach it to other dolphins too, and they teach it to their babies.”

Human attacks on dolphins near the Gulf of Mexico are not new, with the killing marking the 27th time since 2002 that a dolphin has been found injured by a gun, arrow or other objects. other sharps, according to NOAA.

Marine Mammal Protection Act fines up to 100,000 dollars harass, harm, kill or feed wild dolphins.

NOAA law enforcement officers are asking anyone with details about this incident to call 1-800-853-1964. Tips can be left anonymous.

at Blogtuan.info – Source: nbcnews.com – Read the original article here