More Than 80 False Killer Whales Die Off Florida Coast
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published January 17, 2017 | 09:30 PM
MIAMI, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jan, 2017 ) - More than 80 dolphins known as false killer whales have died off the southwest coast of Florida after getting stranded in shallow waters, US officials said.
A pod of 95 of the dolphins, which are black in color and look like killer whales without white markings, became stranded in the Gulf Coast off Everglades National Park, the park said on Twitter.
Photos on social media showed dozens of these dolphins, some grouped in clusters of four or five, just a few feet from a sandy beach lined with trees. "Sadly, 81 have already been confirmed dead," Everglades National Park said Monday, adding that marine mammal rescue operations were being carried out.
The dolphins had become "deeply embedded in some of the mangroves making response efforts extremely difficult," Blair Mase, a stranding coordinator with NOAA's fisheries service, said in the Miami Herald newspaper.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that of the remaining dolphins, one had been seen alive and 13 others were unaccounted for.
While 72 had died on their own, rescuers put down nine that were too sick to survive, Mase said.
The stranded dolphins include adults, juveniles and calves, and were first spotted Saturday in an area called Hog Key, part of a string of islands, according to the Herald. False killer whales can be found in large groups of more than one hundred in warm waters across the globe.
They have long, slender bodies and narrow, tapered heads with rounded snouts. They are much smaller and less aggressive than their distant relative, the Orca, or killer whale. Like Orcas, scientists classify them as dolphins rather than whales.
The phenomenon of strandings and the causes remain the subject of scientific debate. The National Park Service has closed the area surrounding the dolphins to flyovers and boats.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
More Stories From World
-
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections
10 minutes ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
20 minutes ago -
Celtic down Dundee to stay on course for Scottish Premiership crown
30 minutes ago -
Ireland will act to send asylum seekers back to UK: PM
30 minutes ago -
Kainz keeps Cologne's hope alive with late equaliser at Mainz
30 minutes ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
50 minutes ago
-
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
60 minutes ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
60 minutes ago -
Tesla CEO Musk meets China's number two official in Beijing
60 minutes ago -
Arsenal survive Spurs fightback to boost title charge
1 hour ago -
Bangladesh recall Saifuddin for Zimbabwe T20s
1 hour ago -
Pakistani youth asked to carry forward spirit of Pak-China all-weather friendship
3 hours ago