Current:Home > InvestGray whale dies after it washed ashore Malibu beach: Experts hope to figure out why -EverVision Finance
Gray whale dies after it washed ashore Malibu beach: Experts hope to figure out why
TrendPulse View
Date:2025-04-10 02:57:44
Wildlife experts are searching for answers to explain why a gray whale mysteriously washed ashore in Malibu, California shortly before its death.
The gray whale was discovered beached Saturday on the shores of Little Dume, a secluded sandy beach popular with surfers. The Malibu-based California Wildlife Center, which responded to the report, said in a Sunday post on Facebook that the whale later died.
It's not unusual for gray whales to wash up on the shores of California's beaches and experts have said there's no reason to believe strandings have increased in previous years. While plenty of theories abound, the exact reasons for the strange behavior largely elude marine biologists.
'Something profoundly wrong':Marine biologists puzzled by large beaching of pilot whales
Officials hope to discover why gray whale came ashore
Full grown gray whales average about 49 feet long and weigh approximately 90,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
At 13,000 pounds and 33 feet long, the male whale that washed ashore in Malibu and became wedged in sand wasn't quite full grown.
The California Wildlife Center collected samples from the whale and work with NOAA to determine what exactly caused the animal to come ashore. The organizations did not conduct a full necropsy because of concerns about opening up and examining the whale on the beach, said Michael Milstein, a spokesman for NOAA Fisheries' west coast region.
"Given the limited nature of the exam, they were not able to identify a specific cause of death or reason for the stranding," Milstein said in a statement to USA TODAY.
USA TODAY left a message Monday morning with the California Wildlife Center that was not immediately returned. But the center left a warning on its Facebook post for beachgoers.
"As the tide rises, the animal may shift in the waves so please keep a safe distance," the organization said.
Why do whales beach themselves?
Once common throughout the Northern Hemisphere, gray whales are now largely found only in the North Pacific Ocean, according to NOAA Fisheries.
Though they are no longer considered to be endangered, the species defined by its mottled gray body remains protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Like many species of whales, it's sadly not uncommon for gray whales to beach themselves. Almost all of the approximately 2,000 strandings a year of any species (including dolphins) result in the deaths of the animals, according to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
In August, a pod of nearly 100 pilot whales stranded themselves on the shore of an Australian beach, befuddling marine biologists and attracting international attentio when wildlife experts made the decision to euthanize them.
While there is no exact answer to explain the phenomenon, experts have long theorized that anything from sickness and injury to navigational errors could cause whales to come ashore – either intentionally or inadvertently.
Experts have also theorized that whales that become frightened of nearby predators could flee in a panic to shallow waters.
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Minnesota police seek motive as town grieves after 2 officers, 1 firefighter fatally shot
- Sylvester Stallone hired Navy SEALs to train daughters before they moved to New York City
- Why NL champion Diamondbacks think they'll be even better in 2024 | Nightengale's Notebook
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- ‘Oppenheimer’ aims for a record haul as stars shine at the British Academy Film Awards
- Former President George W. Bush receives blinged out chain at SMU basketball game
- Why Francesca Farago and Jesse Sullivan Want to Have Kids Before Getting Married
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Oscar-nommed doc: A 13-year-old and her dad demand justice after she is raped
Ranking
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Hundreds of officers tried to protect the Super Bowl parade. Here's why it wasn't enough.
- Expand March Madness? No thanks. What a bad idea from Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark
- Death and redemption in an American prison
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Lenny Kravitz Details His Inspirational Journey While Accepting Music Icon Award at 2024 PCAs
- In Arizona, an aging population but who will provide care? Immigrants will play a big role
- Louisiana’s crime-focused special legislative session begins
Recommendation
'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
Child wounded at Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting says incident has left him traumatized
Is Rooney Mara expecting her second child with Joaquin Phoenix?
We went to more than 20 New York Fashion Week shows, events: Recapping NYFW 2024
New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
Major New England airports to make tens of millions of dollars in improvements
Prince William Attends 2024 BAFTA Film Awards Solo Amid Kate Middleton's Recovery
Kingsley Ben-Adir on why he's choosing to not use Patois language after filming Bob Marley