Featured Image Source:
A dead Minke whale was found on the shore of Yarmouth Bar on Christmas Day. It was a sad sight for the festive holiday.
A response coordinator from the Marine Animal Response Society, Andrew Reed, had this to say, “There would have been deeper gashes if they had been from a prop.” Instead, it was likely a natural death and the gashes were caused by the rough rocks in the area.
The death was unfortunate, but a necropsy will be needed to determine the exact cause of death. However, it is unlikely that it will be performed due to the time of year. The weather makes it very difficult to secure the body and perform the operation.
The whale was approximately 20 feet long, which means that the animal was a juvenile. Minke whales typically grow up to 30 feet long.
At this time of year, whale deaths are not uncommon. Whales have washed up in December in this area for the last couple of years. If you come across a washed up whale, please contact the authorities as soon as possible.
Read more from the source.