Humpback Whale Carcass Washes Ashore in Huntington Beach

Whale Found Dead on Beach

A young dead female humpback whale washed ashore in Huntington Beach early Saturday morning. The 20-foot whale was discovered around 5:30 a.m. around lifeguard tower #5, just south of the pier, said Marine Safety Battalion Chief of Huntington Beach’s lifeguard unit Doug Leach.

High Tides Contribute to Stranding

The morning high tides helped strand the dead animal further on shore. Leach explained that humpback whales don’t regularly wash up on Huntington Beach’s shores.

Typical Strandings in the Area

“Most of our strandings are going to be smaller mammals: sea lions, seals, your occasional dolphin,” Leach said.

Response Efforts Underway

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) both responded to the incident. NOAA is in charge of determining the young marine mammal’s cause of death.

Removal of the Carcass

Maintenance crews with the local Public Works agency will be clearing the mammal from the beach Saturday evening, according to Leach.

Public Notification

He added that the public should notify local authorities if a stranded animal is encountered.

Conclusion

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation and the impact of human activities on marine life. The cause of death for the humpback whale is still unknown, and further investigation is needed to determine the circumstances surrounding its death.

FAQs

Q: How often do humpback whales wash up on Huntington Beach’s shores?

A: According to Marine Safety Battalion Chief Doug Leach, humpback whales do not regularly wash up on Huntington Beach’s shores.

Q: What is the typical cause of strandings in the area?

A: Leach stated that most strandings in the area are of smaller mammals, such as sea lions, seals, and dolphins.

Q: Who is responsible for determining the cause of death for the humpback whale?

A: NOAA is in charge of determining the cause of death for the young marine mammal.

Q: What should the public do if they encounter a stranded animal?

A: According to Leach, the public should notify local authorities if a stranded animal is encountered.