Six dead dolphins were found washed ashore on Powderhorn Ranch beach last week. The largest appeared to be about eight feet, and the smallest about three and a half. It is believed they washed ashore the latter part of February.

Diane Wilson of Seadrift contacted the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network to report the find. This agency is the only one in the state authorized to deal with beached marine mammals, dead or alive.

The regional coordinator of the Network, Corpus Christi branch, could not say what might have caused these deaths. Stranding season (the time of the year when remains of marine mammals are more likely to wash up on shore) runs from December to April. This follows birthing season, so there is a natural mortality from premature births and early deaths of baby dolphins.

Persons finding a marine mammal in distress or a marine mammal carcass should call the Network at 1-800-9-MAMMAL.