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Dolphin dies after being impaled by spear-like object in South Florida

Dolphin
Dolphin
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Dolphin dies after being impaled by spear-like object in South Florida
GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING: The images in this story are disturbing. Officials are looking for information after a dolphin was found impaled in the head by a spear-like object while alive.NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement received reports of a bottlenose dolphin found dead along Upper Captiva Island in Lee County. Officials said the dolphin had a wound came from above and in front of the right eye, extending 6 inches toward the top and back of its head.Authorities said the wound had evidence of hemorrhaging, which would indicate it was impaled before it died.According to officials, the dolphin was last seen swimming around fishing boats with dolphins searching for food from humans, also known as "begging dolphins." They believe the dolphin might have been in a begging position before it was impaled.Anyone with information is asked to contact NOAA Enforcement Hotline as soon as possible at 1-800-853-1964.It is illegal to feed dolphins. Doing so teaches dolphins to associate food with people, boats, or fishing gear which potentially puts them at risk.

GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING: The images in this story are disturbing.

Officials are looking for information after a dolphin was found impaled in the head by a spear-like object while alive.

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NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement received reports of a bottlenose dolphin found dead along Upper Captiva Island in Lee County.

Officials said the dolphin had a wound came from above and in front of the right eye, extending 6 inches toward the top and back of its head.

COURTESY: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
COURTESY: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Authorities said the wound had evidence of hemorrhaging, which would indicate it was impaled before it died.

According to officials, the dolphin was last seen swimming around fishing boats with dolphins searching for food from humans, also known as "begging dolphins."

They believe the dolphin might have been in a begging position before it was impaled.

Anyone with information is asked to contact NOAA Enforcement Hotline as soon as possible at 1-800-853-1964.

It is illegal to feed dolphins. Doing so teaches dolphins to associate food with people, boats, or fishing gear which potentially puts them at risk.