Dolphin found shot dead on Louisiana beach; officials offer $20,000 reward for info

CAMERON PARISH, Louisiana — A dolphin that was found dead on a beach last month was shot by a firearm, federal authorities say, and they’re now offering a reward of up to $20,000 to find out who is responsible.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says in a news release officials with the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline were notified about the juvenile bottlenose dolphin on March 13. The dolphin was found on West Mae’s Beach.

The NOAA says a necropsy performed on the dolphin shows its injuries were “consistent with being shot with a firearm.” Multiple bullets were found in the dolphin’s carcass, including in the brain, spinal cord and heart, the NOAA says.

Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to the NOAA. Violations are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in prison per violation.

Anyone with information on the incident can call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Tips can left anonymously, but a name and contact information are required to be eligible for a reward.