Near the height of the second nor’easter on Wednesday night, a pregnant harbor porpoise was stranded on the shore of the Harbor Point housing complex in Dorchester, according to the New England Aquarium.
The Aquarium Marine Animal Rescue Team tried to save the adult female, but the harbor porpoise died right before arrival.
The aquarium says that harbor porpoise are the smallest of the dolphin species and can be found in New England waters. They usually measure around 4 ½ to 6 feet and weigh less than 200 pounds.
"Surprisingly, dozens of harbor porpoises can be found throughout Boston Harbor from mid-winter to mid-spring," the aquarium said in a statement. "Despite this sad outcome, her presence in the harbor is a reminder of the magnificent marine wildlife that is all around the metropolitan area."
