Editor’s Note: This story contains an image of a dead dolphin that may be disturbing to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Services is offering a $20,000 reward for information after a dolphin was found shot to death on a beach last month.
The juvenile bottlenose dolphin was found March 13 with “multiple bullets” in its “brain, spinal cord, and heart” on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
A necropsy confirmed the dolphin appeared to have died from trauma that happened “at or near the time of death,” NOAA said.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is now investigating the dolphin’s death and offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest or assessment of a civil penalty.
According to the NOAA, harassing, hunting, killing, or feeding wild dolphins, or attempting to do any of those activities, is prohibited. Civil or criminal charges can be levied against violators, and punishment could include up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation.
Anyone with information should call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.