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6d ago

NOAA Offers $20,000 Reward in Investigation of Decapitated Dolphin in North Carolina

Federal authorities seek information on the intentional decapitation of a stranded bottlenose dolphin on a remote island, as necropsy findings reveal potential bacterial infection.

A stranded bottlenose dolphin was found in a tidal creek behind Lea-Hutaff Island on April 15. Someone later decapitated the marine mammal, an action that has led to a federal investigation.
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Overview

  • A bottlenose dolphin was found decapitated on Lea-Hutaff Island, North Carolina, after being reported stranded on April 15.
  • NOAA officials believe the dolphin was intentionally dismembered between April 16 and 18, violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
  • The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction or civil penalties for those responsible.
  • Preliminary necropsy results indicate the dolphin may have carried Brucella bacteria, a zoonotic pathogen that can infect humans through contact.
  • The remote, boat-access-only location of Lea-Hutaff Island complicates the investigation and evidence collection efforts.