An endangered fin whale washed ashore near Anchorage, Alaska, capturing the curiosity of locals while biologists investigate its death. The 47-foot female whale, estimated to be between 1 and 3 years old, was found over the weekend near a coastal trail. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), adult fin whales can grow up to 85 feet long and weigh between 40 to 80 tons; the chief threats they face are from ship strikes and climate change, per NOAA.
NOAA marine mammal stranding coordinator Mandy Keogh noted that fin whales are rarely seen this close to Anchorage. Recent high tides might have caused the animal to drift into the Knik Arm. The whale was secured to the shore by NOAA biologists and Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services staff on Sunday to gather samples. Determining the cause of death could be challenging due to decomposition and lack of clear injuries, even after samples are analyzed.
Local residents, including parents and their children, flocked to the site, intrigued by the opportunity to observe the giant mammal firsthand. Parent Daisy Grandlinard, who guided a group of children, shared how exciting it was for them to see and touch the whale, making connections to their recent studies on whales. Biologists aim to conclude their examination by Tuesday and plan to untether the carcass, allowing the tides to move it naturally, though the ultimate fate of the whale remains uncertain. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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