Dead whale first seen near Hope washes up near Kincaid Park

A dead whale that was first seen beached near hope has washed up near Kincaid Park, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The marine mammal expert who conducted a necropsy on the humpback when it was first discovered examined the animal near Kincaid Park and confirmed it was the same whale, according to NOAA spokeswoman Julie Speegle.

The agency is advising people to leave the animal alone as whale carcasses can often attract hungry bears.

“We do ask that people do not touch the whale for their own safety and don’t take any of the remains,” Speegle told Channel 2. “It’s like a dinner bell for the bears.”

She said the agency plans to leave the whale where it is.

“We’re going to let nature take its course and we’re hoping the tide will come back in and wash it back out,” Speegle said.