A dolphin was found impaled by a spear on a Florida beach, prompting police to initiate an inquiry.
The dolphin was believed to have been struck by the spear-like object before it died, according to police. Its body was later discovered washed ashore on the beach in Fort Myers last month.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recovered the dolphin carcass, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
According to the Independent, the animal was a lactating female who appeared to have died from trauma that occurred at or around the time of death.
The creature was believed to be in a “begging position” when it died, according to officials. It’s possible it was fed illegally.
Police have warned people not to feed wild dolphins following the discovery, as they learn to associate food boats and fishing equipment with food.
Reports from NOAA suggest that in the last 20 years around 27 dolphins have been found shot by guns, arrows, or impaled with other objects.
It comes despite a $100,000 (£76,570) fine and up to one year in jail for anyone found harassing, harming, feeding or killing a dolphin, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Meanwhile, another stranded dolphin has died after tourists decided it would be more fun to try and ride it than getting help to get it back into the ocean.
The animal was found on Sunday night at Quintana Beach in Brazoria County, Texas.
The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network slammed locals who harassed the dolphin – with some even taking selfies with it.
This article by Jaymelouise Hudspith was first published by The Daily Star on 17 April 2022. Lead Image: The dolphin was impaled when it was found dead (Image: Getty Images).
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