Federal officials are seeking the public’s assistance in apprehending the mammal’s killer.

Federal officials say a dolphin discovered dead off Florida’s Gulf Coast was stabbed with a “spear-like device,” and they’re asking for the public’s help in catching the killer.

According to a statement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the bottlenose dolphin was found on March 24 on Fort Myers Beach with an evident wound near the right eye.

According to the statement, “a necropsy, non-human autopsy, confirmed the dolphin was stabbed in the head with a spear-like item while alive.” “The incision above the right eye, according to further analysis, was inflicted before the animal died. The dolphin was a breastfeeding mature female. The trauma, which happened at or near the moment of death, appears to have killed the animal.”

Officials believe the nursing dolphin was being fed illegally by a person when it was tragically injured.

“It is assumed that the dolphin was impaled while in a begging position,” the NOAA reported, based on the form, size, and features of the wound. “Begging isn’t a natural behaviour for dolphins, and it’s often linked to illicit feeding.”

Officials believe that this dolphin, which was stabbed with its head above water and mouth open, had grown habituated to illicit human feedings, a conduct that causes intergenerational harm.

“Those dolphins have learnt to link people with food,” said Laura Engelby, NOAA Branch Chief. “Once they’ve learned it, they pass it on to other dolphins and their offspring.” Human attacks on dolphins around the Gulf of Mexico are not uncommon; according to the NOAA, a dolphin has been discovered wounded by firearms, arrows, or other sharp items 27 times since 2002.

Harassing, hurting, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

NOAA law enforcement is requesting that anybody with information about the incident phone 1-800-853-1964. Anonymous tips are welcome.