Dead Gray Whale Will Rot On Beach, WA State Parks Decides

WESTPORT, WA - If you visit the Pacifc Coast out near Westport this summer, you might notice a funny smell in the air. The state Parks and Recreation Commission has decided to leave a gray whale carcass to rot on a beach near Twin Harbors State Park. Despite the unpleasant odor - and sight - leaving the whale on the beach will be beneficial for the environment, state officials say. The carcass will provide food for birds and other wildlife.

Sadly, the whale was healthy when it died, according to the results of a necropsy. Jessie Huggins, the whale stranding coordinator from Cascadia Research, determined that the whale died of a traumatic injury. The whale is about 2 years old and measures 30 feet in length.

"Visitors can expect strong, unpleasant smells as the carcass rots over the summer months," the state wrote of the decision to let the whale rot. "Fortunately, the whale’s body lies in the intertidal area, where crabs can eat it at high tide, birds can feast on it at low tide and coyotes can come in at night to feed on it—helping to speed up the process."

Visitors to Twin Harbors are welcome to observe the whale, but are warned not to touch it - and that includes pets. Even dead animals are covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so you could get in legal trouble for interfering with the animal.

Plus, due to buildup of methane gas, whale carcasses have been known to explode. So it's best to keep your distance.

Image via Washington State Parks