It's a decision opposed by environmental groups, who say the blasts could harm marine animals, and some coastal communities, who fear it could be a precursor to offshore drilling.
Answers remain elusive for the country's Department of Conservation, which believes these incidents are not related. In the latest one, more than 50 pilot whales died in the remote Chatham Islands.
At least eight dead sea lions with bullet holes have been found since September. It's illegal to shoot marine mammals, but that hasn't stopped some fishermen from going after them.
Both companies announced they are canceling separate auctions featuring antique carvings made of the endangered species' horns. The sales would have taken place in Hong Kong this week.
A hiker reported the mass stranding Saturday. By the time officials could reach the marine mammals, half were dead — and the rest were in such dire condition, they had to be euthanized.
Thanks internet! A well dressed, bedazzled pet pigeon who appears to have gone on the bird equivalent of a rumspringa, is back home after nearly two weeks.
A new study published by researchers at Georgia Tech reveals that the tiny spines that cover a cat's tongue play a bigger role in feline grooming than previously thought.
The following items were among those found in the animal's stomach: 19 pieces of hard plastic, two sandals, four plastic bottles, 25 plastic bags, and about seven pounds of rope.
The bird was wearing a specially made vest decorated with gold and silver rhinestones. It was turned into a shelter, which posted a photo of it and its bedazzled outfit — trying to locate the owner.