Local News

Beached whale that drew onlookers to Oak Island beach is euthanized

Some North Carolina biologists were concerned about the future of a young whale that beached itself sometime Thursday near Oak Island.

Posted Updated
Oak Island beached whale

A young whale that beached itself sometime Thursday near Oak Island was euthanized Thursday night.

Officials at the scene classified the mammal as a sperm whale, which usually migrates seasonally to feed and breed. University of North Carolina at Wilmington marine biologist Bill McLellan told the StarNews newspaper that the whales usually congregate at least 100 miles off shore, and the fact that one was so close to the beach indicates the animal is likely in distress.

A video posted to Facebook showed blood in the water near the whale, suggesting that it may have been hurt.

The StarNews reported that someone called authorities about the beached whale around 9:30 a.m. Several people gathered in the area just north of the Oak Island Pier to take photos and video of the stranded animal.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.