Huge Minke Whale Found Dead on Long Island Beach, Experts Investigate the Cause

Last week, a 2,000-pound Minke whale was discovered dead on a Long Island beach, which frightened most of the beachgoers, since no one really knows the exact cause of the marine creature’s death. The whale, found washed ashore last week on Wednesday, had deep wounds on its body of which the biologists said were probably caused by shark bites. The experts don’t know yet if the Minke whale was killed by a shark; they have to wait for the results of the necropsy to determine the animal’s real cause of death.

Researchers from the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation will be conducting the whale’s necropsy in order to find what killed the 2,000-pound marine creature. The experts believe that the Minke whale was either attacked and killed by a very large shark, hit by a moving ship, or it suffered from a dangerous disease, which eventually killed it.

The dead Minke whale, which measured approximately 12 feet long, was discovered at the Robert Moses State Park, on Wednesday morning. The biologists said that after they conduct the necropsy and determine the animal’s death, they will bury its body on the beach.

Experts stated that Minke whales are often spotted in the waters surrounding Long Island, but because they move extremely fast, they are very difficult to be observed swimming in the waters. After the whale was discovered dead lying on the beach, many have expressed their fear about going back into the water. One of the beachgoers who saw the animal’s body said that he is very wary about going into the water and he will probably never go in it again.

Rob DiGiovanni, from the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, explained that a team of biologists are investigating the animal’s cause of death. At first, the experts believed the Minke whale probably died of starvation, but after seeing the bite marks on its body they began to consider other possible causes.

However, biologists said that people shouldn’t be alarmed, and local lifeguards assured the beachgoers that they are extremely vigilant and have the situation under control. The marine experts advise the public to contact at once the lifeguards should they see any sharks swimming in the waters.

This is not the first time a dead whale washes ashore on the beach in this area. In January of this year, 6 whales were discovered dead on the beaches from West Hampton to Coney Island.
Image Source: cbsnewyork