Dead dolphin found on Louisiana beach with ‘bullets lodged’ in brain, spine, and heart

A horrifying incident on the Louisiana coast has left wildlife officials seeking answers. Last month, a juvenile bottlenose dolphin was found dead on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish. A necropsy conducted by NOAA’s partner, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, revealed a brutal truth: the dolphin’s body was riddled with bullets, lodged in its brain, spinal cord, and heart.

Determined to find the perpetrator behind this senseless act, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation. To aid their efforts, a significant reward of $20,000 is being offered for any information leading to the identification and prosecution of the culprit, or the imposition of civil penalties.

It’s important to remember that harming, harassing, killing, or even feeding wild dolphins is a federal offense under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators face steep consequences, including hefty fines reaching $100,000 and potential imprisonment.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our marine wildlife. Let’s hope the investigation brings swift justice and discourages future acts of cruelty.