Whale beached on Hilton Head Island this weekend. How and why it likely washed up on shore
A sperm whale was beached on the shore of Hilton Head Island over the weekend. Why did this happen and what do we know?
What happened with the sperm whale on Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island's government posted updates and photos of the scene on Facebook. As of Sunday morning, the whale was alive, but euthanasia had been determined to be the most humane option. Marine animal experts tried to keep it comfortable while the euthanasia was transported in from Florida. It was sedated and euthanized later that night.
Where did the sperm whale come from?
Sperm whales have one of the widest global distributions of any marine mammal species and can be found in any deep ocean around the world, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Migrations are not very predictable with some populations having different patterns based on their life status, with adult males making long oceanographic migrations into temperate waters whereas females and young stay in tropical waters year-round.
Hilton Head's government said the whale likely drifted hundreds of miles before reaching the shoreline.
Why did the sperm whale beach itself?
Also known as "stranding," the beaching of a single whale is normally due to sickness or injury, according to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Ingesting human debris and trash has historically been an issue here. Another way humans may cause beachings is through loud, man-made sounds that disrupt animals with echolocation, including sperm whales. Bad weather, old age, navigation errors, and hunting too close to shore also contribute to beachings.
Hilton Head's government said they believe the whale was severely emaciated. A necropsy will be conducted to identify the whale's exact cause of death. Afterwards, it will be respectfully buried.
Do sperm whales live together?
Sperm whales are often spotted in groups (called pods) of some 15 to 20 animals, according to National Geographic. Pods include females and their young, while males may roam solo or move from group to group. The beached whale was reportedly a juvenile, but we don't know its gender yet.
Are sperm whales endangered?
NOAA lists the following conservation statuses for sperm whales:
Endangered Species Act: "Endangered"
Marine Mammal Protection Act: "Protected"
Marine Mammal Protection Act: "Depleted"
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Why did a sperm whale wash up on Hilton Head Island shore? What to know
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