A mutilated dolphin that was ‘intentionally’ decapitated was found washed up on a North Carolina beach, prompting a federal investigation and a monetary reward for information leading to the culprit.
Last month, a passerby reported finding a dead bottlenose dolphin stranded on the remote, underdeveloped Lea-Hutaff barrier island, situated just north of Wilmington and accessible only by boat.
However, scientists from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington quickly realized that the dolphin’s death was not natural, but a criminal act, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Upon their arrival, marine experts described the eight-foot sea animal as having been ‘intentionally mutilated’ with ‘its head removed’ – a discovery that prompted authorities to launch an investigation and offer a reward of up to $20,000.
‘We are asking the public for any information about who may have been involved,’ NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement said in a statement.
‘We are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.’
On April 15, an individual called the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline to report a dead, stranded dolphin that had washed ashore on Lea Island, near marker 105.
Scientists with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington – who are part of a national program that coordinates emergency responses to marine mammals – were called to the scene, as they handle cases involving sick, injured, distressed or dead marine life.
An eight-foot dolphin who had been ‘intentionally mutilated’ with ‘its head removed’ was found washed up on a North Carolina beach, prompting authorities to launch an investigation (pictured: decapitated dolphin)
On April 15, an individual called the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline to report a dead, stranded dolphin that had washed ashore on the remote Lea Island near marker 105 – an underdeveloped barrier island, situated just north of Wilmington and accessible only by boat
The discovery prompted authorities to launch an investigation and offer a monetary reward, as officials believe that the bottlenose dolphin’s head had been removed between April 16 and April 18 (pictured)
At the remote location, the experts encountered a massive, eight-foot dolphin, whose death was clearly the result of foul play.
Based on their findings, officials believe that the bottlenose dolphin’s head had been removed between April 16 and April 18, following the initial report.
‘This animal was intentionally decapitated, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act,’ NOAA officials said.
Under the act, it is illegal to harass, harm, kill, feed or collect body parts of protected species – with violations potentially leading to civil or criminal prosecution, fines of up to $100,000 and one year in jail.
During their initial health assessment on the dolphin, university scientists suspected it was carrying Brucella, a bacteria responsible for the infectious bacterial disease, Brucellosis.
The disease primarily affects cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs, and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, inhalation of airborne agents or consumption of contaminated animal products, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Scientists ultimately conducted a necropsy on the dolphin. However, the complete findings and definitive cause of death are still pending.
After the horrific discovery, officials from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement swiftly issued a $20,000 reward, calling on the public to assist in identifying the individual responsible for the mutilation of the protected sea creature.
After the horrific discovery, officials from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement swiftly issued a $20,000 reward, calling on the public to assist in identifying the individual responsible for the mutilation of the protected sea creature
Scientists with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (pictured) were called to the scene, where they suspected that the dolphin was carrying Brucella, a bacteria responsible for the infectious bacterial disease, Brucellosis
The crime is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to harass, harm, kill, feed or collect body parts of protected species, with violations potentially leading to civil or criminal prosecution, fines of up to $100,000 and one year in jail
‘The remote location where the dolphin was found adds to the difficulty of investigating this incident and cause of death,’ officials explained in the statement.
‘We are calling on your help to find those responsible.’
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800)-853-1964.
Although tips can be submitted anonymously, those seeking to claim the reward must include their name and contact information.
Last year, the butchered remains of a dolphin were discovered on a New Jersey beach.
In November of 2024, federal authorities were called to the scene in Allenhurst, where they found that the animal’s flesh had been ‘completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin and flukes’.
The dolphin’s organs, except for the heart and lungs, had also been removed.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center quickly released a disturbing image of the mutilated carcass lying on a metal gurney before it was carried away for an investigation.
According to NOAA officials, ‘the remote location where the dolphin was found adds to the difficulty of investigating this incident and cause of death’, with autopsy results still pending (pictured: Lea-Hutaff barrier island)
In November of 2024, federal authorities were called a New Jersey beach where they found a butchered dolphin (pictured), with the animal’s flesh ‘completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin and flukes’
Scientists with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington – who are part of a national program that coordinates emergency responses to marine mammals – handle cases involving sick, injured, distressed or dead marine life
It was ultimately identified as a common dolphin, which is not listed as a threatened or endangered species.
However, the NOAA still launched an investigation into the death, seeking to find the perpetrator of the crime that carries penalties of substantial fines and up to one year in prison.
The night before the grisly discovery, a common dolphin was reportedly struggling in the surf a block away.
Witnesses said the dolphin managed to make it over the sandbar and swim out to sea. Yet it remains unknown whether the dolphin that was butchered was the same animal seen by the witnesses.
Although the common dolphin is not considered an endangered species, the sea creature is still protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
