Dolphin Found Impaled With 'Spear-Like Object' On FL Beach

FLORIDA — Investigators with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration want to know who impaled the head of a nursing dolphin found dead on a Florida beach recently.

According to NOAA, it received a report of a dead bottlenose dolphin on March 24 at Fort Myers Beach. The agency's partner, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, ultimately recovered the animal.

A necropsy revealed the dolphin was pierced in the head with a spear-like object while alive.

The examination also revealed that the dolphin was an adult lactating female. The animal appeared to have died from the trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death, NOAA officials said.

Based on the shape, size and characteristics of the wound, investigators said it is suspected that the dolphin was impaled while in a "begging position."

Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is frequently associated with illegal feeding, they said.

Investigators said violent incidents toward dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico continue. Since 2002, at least 27 dolphins (including this one), have stranded with evidence of being shot by guns or arrows, or impaled with sharp objects,

NOAA law enforcement officials seek information from anyone who may have details of this incident. Please call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Tips may be left anonymously.

Harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can be prosecuted civilly or criminally and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation.