$38K award offered in hunt for dolphin killer

Florida wildlife officials are offering a reward for information that leads them to the person who stabbed a dolphin to death.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is offering $38,000 for help in solving the case, which came to light earlier this week when the NOAA revealed it had found the dolphin, an apparent victim of a spear through its head.

The bottlenose dolphin's body was discovered along Upper Captiva Island in Lee County in May.

Upon closer examination, the wound was "extending almost 6 inches toward the top and back of the head," according to NOAA.

There's evidence of hemorrhaging, indicating the animal was stabbed while alive.

Officials said the water mammal was likely in a "begging" position when it was killed.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 prohibits harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins.

The NOAA urges anyone with information to call its enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964.

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