The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement has posted a five-figure reward for information leading to a conviction following the discovery of a decapitated dolphin.
The disturbing saga began on April 15, when a call was made to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding hotline from a member of the public.
According to NOAA, the caller reported seeing the dead dolphin on the shore of Lea-Hutaff Island, which is undeveloped and only accessible by boat.
Trending: Graphic: Reported New Vandalism of Trump, Hegseth Chain-of-Command Portraits Is Worst Yet
Experts from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, which runs a partner program with NOAA, arrived at the scene to find a disturbing sight.
The bottlenose dolphin was decapitated and its head was removed. Authorities say the criminal mutilation of the 8-foot marine mammal was done
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!