OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. (AP) — Biologists are warning boaters in northwest Florida to avoid dolphins after two babies were struck and killed by a boat propeller just days apart.
The Northwest Florida Daily News reports the first dolphin washed up near Gulf Breeze last week after being hit by a boat. The second was found Monday west of Pensacola with numerous deep cuts.
Marine biologist Steve Shippee with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge performed a necropsy on the second dolphin that was struck by a fast-moving boat.
Shippee says these two dolphins are the first propeller victims he's seen. He warns boaters against getting too close to dolphins or trying to pet or feed them.
