CNN —The stranding of more than 140 dolphins off Cape Cod last month has been confirmed as the largest mass stranding of the mammals in United States history, animal rescuers say. A final review of data and aerial imagery of the mass stranding event near Wellfleet, Massachusetts, believed to have begun June 28, revealed 146 dolphins were involved, the International Fund for Animal Welfare announced Thursday. The organization said last month the stranding of what was initially said to be around 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins in the area could possibly be “the largest single mass stranding event” in the organization’s history, CNN previously reported. The organization said the mass stranding event was “considered closed” by July 8, by which time more than 100 dolphins had been returned to their homes in deeper waters. More dolphins get stranded along Cape Cod’s 12-mile stretch of shoreline than any other location worldwide, according to the organization.

---

Persons: Stacey Hedman, ”, Misty Niemeyer, “, Hedman, CNN’s Raja Razek Organizations: CNN, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Dolphins, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: United States, Wellfleet , Massachusetts, Cape, Herring, Hawaii, Florida