OKALOOSA ISLAND —For the second time in a week, a baby dolphin has been struck and killed by a boat propeller, according to officials at the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.
The first dolphin washed up near Gulf Breeze last week. The second one was found Monday west of Pensacola.
“This is the time of year babies are born,” marine biologist Steve Shippee said as he performed a necropsy on the animal found Monday. “The boat was moving fast when it hit this guy.”
He said young dolphins — both victims were less than a month old — follow closely in their mother’s wake and nurse for their first two years.
The mothers may dive down when a boat approaches, but the calves wouldn’t know enough to follow.
Shippee, who has been the refuge’s research and stranding response coordinator for five years, said the two dolphins were the first propeller victims he has seen during his tenure.
The first calf, which was about two weeks old, was struck once and killed.
The second calf had multiple lacerations at regular intervals, with each successive slice cutting deeper.
He warned boaters against getting too close to dolphins or trying to pet or feed them.
“If you see dolphins, avoid them,” he said.
Daily News Staff Writer Wendy Victora can be reached at 850-315-4478 or wvictora@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @WendyVnwfdn.