16-05-2025
Decapitated dolphin found on beach was 'intentionally mutilated'
A dolphin was found 'intentionally' decapitated on a North Carolina beach, prompting a federal investigation and a monetary reward for information leading to the culprit.
Last month, a passerby reported finding a dead bottlenose dolphin stranded on the remote, underdeveloped Lea-Hutaff barrier island, situated just north of Wilmington and accessible only by boat.
Scientists quickly realized the dolphin's death was a criminal act, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Marine experts described the eight-foot mammal as having been 'intentionally mutilated' with its 'head removed' - a discovery that prompted authorities to launch an investigation and offer a $20,000 reward for any information.
'We are asking the public for any information about who may have been involved,' NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement said in a statement.
'We are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.'
In April, an individual called the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline to report a dead, stranded dolphin that had washed ashore on Lea Island, near marker 105.
Scientists with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington - who are part of a national program that coordinates emergency responses to marine mammals - were called to the scene, as they handle cases involving sick, injured, distressed, or dead marine life.
At the remote location, the experts encountered a massive, eight-foot dolphin, whose death was clearly the result of foul play.
Based on their findings, officials believe that the bottlenose dolphin's head had been removed between April 16 and April 18, following the initial report.
'This animal was intentionally decapitated, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act,' NOAA officials said.
Under the act, it is illegal to harass, harm, kill, feed, or collect body parts of protected species - with violations potentially leading to civil or criminal prosecution, fines of up to $100,000, and one year in jail.
During their initial health assessment on the dolphin, university scientists suspected it was carrying Brucella, a bacteria responsible for the infectious disease, Brucellosis.
The disease primarily affects cattle, swine, goats, sheep, and dogs, and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, inhalation of airborne agents or consumption of contaminated animal products, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Scientists ultimately conducted a necropsy on the dolphin. However, the complete findings and definitive cause of death are still pending.
After the horrific discovery, officials from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement swiftly issued a $20,000 reward, calling on the public to assist in identifying the individual responsible for the mutilation of the protected sea creature.
Crime: The crime is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to harass, harm, kill, feed or collect body parts of protected species, with violations potentially leading to civil or criminal prosecution, fines of up to $100,000 and one year in jail
'The remote location where the dolphin was found adds to the difficulty of investigating this incident and cause of death,' officials explained in the statement.
'We are calling on your help to find those responsible.'
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964.
Although tips can be submitted anonymously, those seeking to claim the reward must include their name and contact information.
