Dead dolphin washes ashore at Kure Beach

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A dead dolphin surprised beach visitors today in Pleasure Island.

First responders say they were told by aquarium officials that the mammal was most likely sick when it died and then washed ashore. They also were told a shark could have been trying to feed on the animal.

Researchers from the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program picked up the dolphin to study it.