Latest news with #necropsy
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Huge 50ft beast from the depths of the ocean washes up on Oregon coast
A 50-foot giant from the depths of the Pacific Ocean has washed up on the Oregon coast. The massive creature - a 53-foot male sperm whale - was found ashore north of about 84 miles west of Portland, its barnacle-scarred body lay battered and still. According to a Facebook post from the Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, Oregon, the sprawling whale washed ashore between Del Rey and Sunset Beach on the afternoon of May 29. When marine experts discovered the beached behemoth, they said its 'spine showed signs of blunt-force trauma and hemorrhaging' consistent with a fatal collision at sea. A necropsy was conducted on Monday by the Cascadia Research Collective, the Seaside Aquarium and Portland State University to help in determining the whale's cause of death. 'During the necropsy, damage to the vertebrate was visible along with signs of hemorrhage. This helped the team determine that this whale was struck by a vessel,' the Seaside Aquarium said. However, the dead whale had been spotted long before it washed ashore. According to the aquarium, the whale was initially reported dead on May 25, around 15 miles offshore. Four days later, on May 27, it was seen again - this time only seven miles from land, according to the Seaside Aquarium. 'The whale will be left on the beach to decompose naturally,' the post added. The natural decomposition process offers a rare chance for beachgoers to witness one of the ocean's giants up close. It also provides a nutrition boost to the surrounding ecosystem. Scavengers such as turkey vultures, bald eagles and even coyotes will have access to the whale's remains for weeks or even months to come. The Seaside Aquarium has since warned onlookers not to touch the giant sea creature. The enormous whale's spine showed signs of blunt-force trauma and hemorrhaging consistent with a fatal collision at sea 'Please remember to look - but do not touch. Marine mammals may spread potential diseases to humans and pets,' the aquarium wrote. Male sperm whales can grow to nearly 60 feet in length and weigh over 40 tons. They are known to live up to 60 years, with males maturing around the age of 50, typically reaching about 52 feet. Their diet includes deep-water species such as squid, sharks, skates, and fish. While their population is slowly recovering, sperm whales remain listed as endangered.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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.' Astoria police wear 'The Goonies' patches in honor of Oregon film's 40th anniversary 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
14-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Second dead grey whale in less than a week washes ashore in B.C.
A second dead grey whale has washed ashore in British Columbia in less than a week. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has confirmed that the latest dead whale was reported on May 11 in Haida Gwaii near the community of Skidegate, and a marine mammal response team is working with local First Nations to co-ordinate a necropsy. The cause of death is unknown, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada says confirming what happened through necropsy reports may take up to three months. There are three grey whale populations in the North Pacific, and the federal department says it hasn't been able to establish which one the dead animal found on Haida Gwaii belonged to. The latest case comes after Parks Canada said a dead whale was spotted floating off Vancouver Island on May 6, before it washed ashore on Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino. Two of the populations are classified as endangered. The department says that the whale was part of the Eastern North Pacific population, which was assessed in 2005 as being of special concern under the federal Species at Risk Act. The federal department has warned people not to touch the dead whales and to keep dogs leashed, and is also asking anyone who sees whales being harassed or disturbed to report to the agency immediately. Parks Canada says that although the loss of a whale can be difficult to observe, it also provides important nutrients to other animals and the environment.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dead whale found in East Providence
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A dead whale was found near Bold Point Park in East Providence Sunday morning. A spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) told 12 News they received a report around 8 a.m. of the whale being found. Mystic Aquarium have been notified, according to the DEM spokesperson, and will conduct a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Globe and Mail
08-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Grey whale washes ashore near Tofino, B.C. Cause of death unknown
A grey whale among a population that is listed as a special concern in Canada has washed ashore on a Vancouver Island beach. Parks Canada says the whale was spotted floating offshore on May 6, then it landed the next day on Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino. The federal agency is warning visitors to the popular beach not to touch the whale and to keep dogs on a leash. The Fisheries Department says in a statement its marine mammal response team is working with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Parks Canada to secure the animal and perform a necropsy. It says the cause of death won't be confirmed until after the necropsy reports are complete, which usually takes two to three months. The department says the whale is part of the Eastern North Pacific population, which was assessed in 2005 as being of special concern under the federal Species at Risk Act. Parks Canada says in a statement that its staff and Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park guardians were on scene as the whale came ashore. It says access to the animal has been restricted both for health and safety reasons, and out of respect for the whale. 'The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation continues to steward the lands and waters within their hahuuli (traditional lands and waters) and will be determining how to respectfully steward the carcass,' the statement says. Parks Canada says that although the loss of a whale can be difficult to observe, it also provides important nutrients to other animals and the environment. A sperm whale came ashore on a South Carolina resort island on Saturday, and was euthanized late Sunday after veterinarians determined it was too sick to help. The town of Hilton Head Island in South Carolina says the whale will be buried on the beach. Whales often beach themselves when sick or injured, and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida estimates about 2,000 whales come ashore each year. — With reports from The Associated Press
