3 days ago
Sperm whale hit by vessel, washes ashore near Seaside
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 53-foot sperm whale, which was struck by a vessel, washed ashore north of Seaside on Thursday afternoon, days after it died, the Sunday.
The adult male was first reported dead on May 23 about 15 miles offshore. Four days later, the whale was about 7 miles offshore. Once it washed ashore between Del Ray and Sunset Beach, officials were able to do a necropsy that revealed the whale died after being hit by a vessel.
The whale will stay on the beach to decompose and 'provide a nutrition boost to the local ecosystem,' authorities said. The whale will provide food for turkey vultures, bald eagles and coyotes 'for quite some time.'
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However, people should stay away from the whale. 'Marine mammals may spread potential diseases to humans and pets,' the Seaside Aquarium said.
Though authorities said the whale was an adult male, they did not provide an estimated age. However, these male sperm whales can reach 60 feet and more than 40 tons while living up to 60 years. Males mature around 50 with a length of about 52 feet.
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