Endangered whale washed up dead on beach in Long Branch
LONG BRANCH — An endangered Fin whale has washed up dead on the beach in Seven Presidents' Park, park officials said today.
The whale, which is about 40 feet long, was found by rangers upon opening the park this morning, said Senior Park Manager Mark Borchert.
Borchert said experts from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine were on the scene awaiting the arrival of equipment that will help them stabilize the mammal, which is currently rolling in the surf.
He said individuals from the Stranding Center will then conduct a necropsy on site to try to determine the cause of the whale's death.
Sheila Dean of the Stranding Center said the Center currently had little information, but said that the whale was significantly decomposed when it was found.
She encouraged Jersey Shore residents to visit the Center's Web site -- www.marinemammalstrandingcenter.org -- where they can learn more about strandings and what to do if they find an animal in distress.
A Fish and Wildlife representative said they might be closing the beach in that area for swimmers because they are worried that the oils and scents from the decaying whale may attract sharks for miles around. I'd stay away from that area if you are planning a trip to the beach with the family.
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