The remains of a young bottlenose dolphin have been discovered on a beach in Gran Canaria, with experts investigating whether the animal was attacked by a shark before or after its death.

The remains were found yesterday (Thursday) at Playa de Los Palos in Telde, on the island’s east coast. Only the dolphin’s head and part of its back remained, with visible bite marks that experts believe are consistent with a shark attack.

The discovery was reported through Telde Council’s Beaches Department, which is responsible for monitoring and managing the municipality’s coastline.

The remains have been transferred to the University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for further examination. Specialists will carry out tests to assess the animal’s condition, analyse its injuries and determine the likely cause of death.

Officials say this type of investigation forms part of the standard procedure when dead marine wildlife is found along the coast. In the case of dolphins and other cetaceans, the findings can provide valuable scientific information about population health, mortality rates and threats facing marine life in Canary Islands waters.

The bottlenose dolphin is one of the best-known cetacean species found around the archipelago and is protected under conservation laws. Any stranded dolphin or whale, or the discovery of remains, must be reported to the relevant authorities so that the appropriate protocols can be activated.

Although the injuries suggest the involvement of a large shark, experts stress that further analysis is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. Scientific studies have documented shark attacks on dolphins, which often leave distinctive bite marks.

Authorities have also stressed that the discovery does not indicate an increased risk to swimmers or an unusual presence of sharks close to the shore. Sharks are a natural part of the marine ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining healthy ocean biodiversity.