Four dolphins, all of a rare species, were found washed up off the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Petit Bois Island Saturday. Scientists called the “stranding event” a surprise and are analyzing the event to establish an explanation.
Officials with the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) said staff members responded to the barrier island when the finding was reported on their stranding hotline.
After collecting samples and photographs, the dolphins were identified as Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, a common worldwide species but one that is seldom seen in Mississippi waters. The occurrence was especially puzzling, according to the IMMS, to find four of the same species stranded together.
Each of the four beached creatures was taken to IMMS labs for further evaluation, where necropsies will be performed in partnership with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to determine the cause of their deaths.
If you or someone you know crosses paths with a stranded aquatic creature such as a dolphin or sea turtle, call the IMMS Stranding Hotline at (1888)767-3657.
