81 dead dolphins on Cape Cod


CNN reports: At least 81 dolphins have been found dead or died shortly after being discovered on Cape Cod in a series of largely unexplained strandings that began early last month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

More than 100 dolphins, of the common species, have been found stranded along the rocky Massachusetts shoreline since January, said NOAA spokeswoman Teri Rowles and scientists involved in the rescue effort.

The mammals have at times washed up in groups of as many as 10, added Katie Moore, a manager for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Scientists say they are transporting the living dolphins by trailers, after they are tagged, to an outer Cape Cod coast where they are being released.

Nine dolphins rescued off of Cape Cod While dolphin strandings are not uncommon on Cape Cod, the animal welfare group's program director called the recent number of dead dolphins "disturbing."

"Cape Cod sees an average of 120 dolphin strandings per year," said A.J. Cady.

It's not clear what's prompted the mass deaths, but recent changes in water temperature could be a contributing factor that has disoriented the mammals, said Wellfleet harbormaster Michael Flanagan.

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