DEAD DOLPHIN FOUND ON MARCO ISLAND BEACH AS WILDLIFE OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE

A deceased dolphin has been discovered on a stretch of Marco Island beach, prompting a response from local police and state wildlife officials.

Officers from the Marco Island Police Department were called to the shoreline between the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and Residents’ Beach early Wednesday morning after reports of the animal.

Police secured the area while carrying out an initial assessment and said there is currently no indication the dolphin’s death is suspicious.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been notified and is expected to take over the investigation and recovery operation.

Wildlife officials will examine the dolphin and determine whether there are any signs of injury, illness, or other factors that may have contributed to its death.

Authorities are asking residents and visitors to avoid the affected section of beach while crews work to recover the animal and complete their assessment.

No further details about the dolphin’s age, species, or cause of death have been released.

Updates are expected once FWC completes its preliminary examination.