Dolphin deaths: Reward offered for information after deadly interactions with humans in Texas and Florida
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“She was eventually trapped and further harassed by a mob on the beach where she later died before reaching the rescue site,” the network said.
NOAA said authorities have obtained footage of harassment in Texas that could help identify those involved.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins.
The agency said harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins carries a fine of up to ,000 100,000 and up to one year in prison for violation.
The animal was apparently begging for food when it was attacked alive. The NOAA said in a statement that she appeared to have died of shock.
“Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is often linked to illegal feeding. People help prevent future damage by not feeding or trying to feed wild dolphins. can.”
The agency – whose mission is to monitor marine resources and habitat – advised people to avoid interacting with stray marine animals as they could become ill or injured.
He said that pushing the animals back into the water delays the animals from getting the help they need and as a result they can get stuck in a worse situation again.
CNN’s Michelle Watson and Rebecca Race contributed to this report.
