Federal authorities are investigating after the dismembered remains of a dolphin were discovered on a New Jersey beach.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which assists with stranded or deceased marine animals along the New Jersey coast, reported that the remains of a common dolphin were found on Allenhurst Beach, near Asbury Park, on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the center, the dolphin appeared to have been “butchered.” The center noted that the dolphin’s body had been stripped of flesh with precise cuts made by a sharp tool, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and tail flukes intact. Most of the organs had also been removed, except for the heart and lungs.

On Tuesday night, witnesses had reported seeing a dolphin of the same species struggling near the shore, a short distance from where the remains were found. However, it managed to swim back into deeper waters. It is unclear if this was the same dolphin whose remains were later found.

The common dolphin is not classified as endangered or threatened. The case is now under investigation by the Office of Law Enforcement of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.