A dolphin has been found shot dead on a beach, prompting officials to offer a reward for information.
A member of the public discovered the bottlenose dolphin at the beach near New Orleans, Louisiana, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.
The aquatic mammal was recovered by Audubon Aquarium Rescue, which carried out a necropsy that revealed “multiple bullets lodged in the carcass, including in the brain, spinal cord, and heart”.
“The animal appeared to have died from the trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death,” the NOAA added.
The NOAA is now offering a reward of $20,000 (£16,000) for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty, following the discovery on 13 March.
Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited in the US under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
People found to have violated the laws can be prosecuted civilly or criminally, with sentences of up to a year in prison and $100,000 (£80,000) in fines.
Scientists say bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent, and have been observed to demonstrate self-awareness, problem-solving, empathy, innovation, teaching skills, grief, joy and playfulness.
