Striped dolphin found on South Carolina beach for the first time since 2015

LITCHFIELD BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — For the first time since 2015, a striped dolphin was found on a South Carolina beach.

The dolphin was discovered on Sept. 29 on Litchfield Beach. It was pushed back out to sea, and the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network was notified the following day, Sept. 30. Shortly after, the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network received a report of a dead dolphin in the same vicinity. Photos confirmed it was likely the same striped dolphin initially found.

"Observations of this animal found that it was a sub-adult female who appeared slightly emaciated," wrote the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network in a social media post on Monday.

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They say the animal was transported to Charleston. It will be kept in a freezer for further analysis as part of a study of offshore species.

The first recorded stranding of a striped dolphin in South Carolina was in 1976. The most recent was in 2015, with only a few taking place in between.

"These are very streamlined dolphins, named after the black stripe that runs down their side," the social media post reads. "It is always unfortunate to see such a beautiful animal deceased, but the information we get from this animal will only help us better understand this species."

Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network urges if anyone comes across animals like the dolphin, they shouldn't push it back into the water. Instead, they say to call the hotline as soon as possible: (843)-410-7990.