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KURE BEACH, N.C. — A dolphin died after being attacked by a shark and washing ashore on the North Carolina coast, according to WECT.

It happened Friday morning on Kure Beach in New Hanover County, according to the TV station.

The attack happened just south of the Kure Beach pier, according to a witness.

The dolphin suffered several shark bites, including one on the tail, according to an official.

Once the dolphin washed ashore, people at the beach tried taking care of it, covering it with water and towels.

The animal died and was taken to a lab at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, according to WECT.

Eight people have been attacked by sharks in North Carolina waters in about a one-month span of time.

A shark expert said warmer weather and a lack of rain may be factors for the increase in shark attacks.