MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — A pregnant bottlenose dolphin was found dead on Miramar Beach in the panhandle-area, wildlife officials said. A necropsy revealed the dolphin died of a gunshot wound. She was within weeks of giving birth, said officials.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement said the dolphin was shot on the upper right side, likely with a small caliber firearm. The bullet was discovered lodged in the dolphin's lung.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting.
WDC is encouraging the public to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Individuals can leave anonymous tips or identify themselves when providing their reports on the incident.