QUEENS, NY - Officials have released a suspected cause of death for a dead whale that was found on a beach in Queens on Thursday, just a few days after its body was seen floating south of Long Island, New York.
The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) said it received an alert of a whale's carcass washed up on Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York, Thursday morning.
Just two days before on Tuesday, AMSEAS received notice of a whale's carcass floating about 15 miles south of Long Island.
HERE'S WHY PEOPLE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE NEED TO BE ON ALERT DURING ALLIGATOR MATING SEASON
As officials arrived at the beach to investigate, the whale was confirmed as the same one seen floating near Long Island a few days prior.
It was identified as a Sei whale, approximately 40 feet long. Sei whales are an endangered whale species under the Endangered Species Act.
On Friday, AMSEAS said they conducted a necropsy examination on the whale, finding it was in good body condition prior to its death and had been eating.
The whale had distinctive abrasions along its right side, and the internal examination revealed extensive bruising in the surrounding tissues on the right side of the body, extending dorsally, AMSEAS said.
The agency believes the whale was hit by a vessel, likely causing its death.
Samples were collected from the whale's blubber, tissues, and organs and sent to a pathologist for further testing, AMSEAS said.
Sei whales average between 40 and 60 feet long and can live between 50 and 70 years, according to NOAA Fisheries.
GREAT WHITE SHARK BELLA PINGS OFF LOUISIANA COAST IN POSSIBLE 'NEW SHARK HOTSPOT'
All whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to touch, harm or feed these animals.
The agency said to keep a 150-foot distance from any stranded or injured animals you may come across, and call trained responders to handle the situation.
"It is important to remember that whales in the surf are still dangerous, even when deceased," AMSEAS said.
AMSEAS said the whale was buried on site in accordance with NOAA Fisheries' best practices.
To report strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in New York, you can call the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829.
The public can also report sightings of healthy marine mammals and sea turtles in and around New York to sightings@amseas.org.
The post Suspected cause of death revealed for large whale found dead on New York City beach appeared first on Fox Weather
