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Multiple mammals found dead in Estero Bay

Posted at 12:10 AM, Nov 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-25 00:10:05-05

Two dolphins and a manatee were found dead in Estero Bay around 11:30 this morning. Volunteers and The Fish and Wildlife Commission boated the animals to Lovers Key. 

The marine biologist told FOX 4 "The mammals are headed back to the FWC lab to have a necropsy." The expert also added "the lab should know the cause of death within the next few weeks."

Witnesses say neither dolphin seemed to have external bodily harm-- some are questioning if the red tide is to blame.

FOX 4 checked myfwc.com and their red tide daily map sample shows little to no red tide in the area. 

Nevertheless, boater, Ben Wessels, says he and his family were "sad to see that they're the ones who are affected by however it died."