This is a strange case that American biologists are concerned about. Three dolphins were found dead along the coast of Florida. The conditions under which they were killed are disturbing.
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Killed by a bullet or a sharp object
Last week, biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation found a dead dolphin off the coast of Naples, a city in southwestern Florida. According to the U.S. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the animal was killed by a bullet or a sharp object.
The same week, experts from the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge found another dolphin along Pensacola beach. They discovered that it had been shot in the left flank.
This is not the first time this has happened. Last May, for example, a dolphin was found dead off Captiva Island. It had been hit in the head with a sharp object.
A £15,000 bounty
The U.S. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was keen to alert the local population to the situation. The institution, founded by former U.S. President Richard Nixon, has announced that it is offering £15,000 to people who have information that could lead to those responsible.
A very heavy penalty for those responsible
Since 2002, at least 29 dolphins have been killed in this way. Hunting, killing or even feeding wild dolphins is illegal, and those caught risk up to £75,000 in fines and a year in prison, according to the institution.
Biologists believe that too many people are feeding dolphins. The dolphins then associate humans with the food and put themselves in dangerous positions. This is why, despite the fact that many dream of getting close to them, it is best to avoid them.
