“She eventually washed ashore and was harassed by a crowd of people on the beach where she later died before rescuers could arrive on the scene,” the outlet said.
Officials obtained footage of the harassment in Texas that could help identify those involved, NOAA said.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins.
Harassing, injuring, killing or feeding wild dolphins is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and one year in prison per violation, the agency said.
The animal was apparently in a begging position for food when it was attacked while still alive. She appears to have died from the trauma, NOAA said in a statement.
“Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is frequently associated with illegal feeding. People can help prevent future harm to wild dolphins by not feeding them or trying to feed them,” he said. -he declares.
The agency – whose mission is to manage ocean resources and habitats – advised people to avoid interacting with stranded marine animals as they could become sick or injured.
Pushing animals back into the water delays the animal getting the help it needs and can lead to stranding again in worse condition, he said.
CNN’s Michelle Watson and Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.