What if I find a stranded marine mammal alive or dead?
Live stranded dolphin receiving first aid care on the beach
If you discover a LIVE stranded marine mammal along the Texas coast:
IMMEDIATELY call TMMSN at 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) with your specific location
DO NOT RETURN the animal to the sea, they strand for a reason
Keep the animal upright to prevent water from getting into the blowhole; BE CAREFUL around the powerful mouth and tail
Keep the animal wet by pouring water on the skin; avoid getting water in the blowhole
Keep the animal cool by applying wet towels (keep them wet at all times) and take care not to cover the blowhole or dorsal fin
Shade the animal; if no shade is available, apply oil-free sunscreen
Reduce stress on the animal by keeping people and pets away, reduce voices and noise
Remain with the animal until help arrives
TMMSN collects data on a dead dolphin
If you discover a DEAD marine mammal along the Texas coast:
Report it immediately to TMMSN at 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) - the sooner we get the report, the more data that is potentially available
Do not touch the animal
Provide important details including the specific location (GPS coordinates, nearby landmarks), length of animal, appearance/state of decomposition
Provide photographs if possible