[Mike]

At Least 9 Whales, 24 Dolphins Die Off Mass. Coast
POSTED: 4:28 pm PST December 11, 2005

http://www.10news.com/news/5513664/detail.html

BREWSTER, Mass. — At least nine pilot whales and 24 dolphins have died after becoming stranded off Massachusetts.

Experts said Friday’s snowstorm might have contributed to their deaths.
Officials suspect that high winds and strong tidal fluctuations from the storm caused the dolphins and whales to become trapped in shallow water off Cape Cod.

A group that works to free stranded animals said illnesses also could have contributed to the strandings.

The Cape Cod Stranding Network was notified of several animals in trouble Friday evening, but road closures and heavy snow prevented members from reaching them.