14 dead sperm whales have washed ashore north of Tasmania. The marine mammals are young males who are believed to have all belonged to the same bachelor group. Surfers and swimmers have been warned that the carcasses could attract sharks.
The 14 carcasses were discovered Monday on King Island, an island between Tasmania and mainland Australia. Marine biologists and veterinarians were en route to the site to investigate the circumstances of the death.
It now has to be checked from the air to see if there are other animals in the region. Sperm whales are listed as vulnerable by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
Carcasses can attract sharks
Bystanders were asked to keep their distance. Surfers and swimmers have also been warned that whale carcasses can attract sharks. It was unclear how long the dead marine mammals have been lying on the coast.
Two years ago, hundreds of whales stranded on the west coast of Tasmania, many perished. In total, about 470 pilot whales had strayed into the shallow and remote Macquarie Bay in the west of the island. It was the largest known mass stranding in Australian history (see image above). Only 111 animals could be rescued.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
