Impaled dolphin washes ashore on Fort Myers Beach, investigation underway

Authorities are investigating after an impaled dolphin washed ashore on Fort Myers Beach last month.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are asking the public for any information on the dolphin’s death.

The dolphin was found on March 24, according to NOAA. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recovered the animal.

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

The dolphin was an adult, lactating female. Based on the shape and size of the wound NOAA suspects the dolphin was impaled while in a begging position.

Begging is not a natural behavior of dolphins which likely means it was being fed illegally, according to NOAA.

People can prevent harm to dolphins by not feeding them, NOAA said.

Violent incidents toward dolphins are nothing new.

Since 2002, at least 27 dolphins have been stranded with evidence of being shot by guns or arrows or impaled with sharp objects. Not one person has been found accoutable.

Dylan Haddeland, of Minnesota, said he hopes they find the person responsible.

“There’s a great part of humanity that’s just sickening. And it saddens me,” said Jack Burton, who was visiting Fort Myers Beach for the first time.

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