Over 80 dolphins found dead off Florida coast

Over the weekend, 95 false killer whales were found stranded in South Florida in an area roughly 10 miles off Pavilion Key, reports the Miami Herald.

WFTV notes, "False killer whales are named for their resemblance to orcas. They are members of the dolphin family and range in size from 15 feet to 20 feet."

As of Monday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 81 have been confirmed dead. 9 of them had to be euthanized due to health conditions deemed unfixable.

It is believed that just over a dozen more were stranded as well, but they have not been located, notes WBBH.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the cause of the event has yet to be determined, but rescue teams did face many challenges in the way of dense mangroves and sharks.

The Miami Herald notes that "...officials have closed the area around the key and are asking boaters and planes to steer clear as a dozen organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Mote Marine Laboratory, assist in the search."

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