Dead whale's body returns to Oregon beach

The remains of a dead humpback whale that washed onto the Oregon Coast last weekend, then vanished with high tide, returned to Short Sand Beach on Tuesday afternoon.

The 38-foot dead whale's body is about two miles south of Oswald West State Park, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department officials said in a news release.

OPRD staff is planning to be on the beach at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for an interpretive talk about the whales.

The twice-daily high tides predicted for the next few weeks are not expected to be high enough to take it back out to sea, though it is still possible for it to wash out, officials said.

The interpretive presentations will happen on the beach whether the whale washes out or not. Researchers will continue to have access if they need to collect more tissue.

Researchers have the required federal permits to collect tissue from dead whales. All other visitors are encouraged to come see the humpback, but are not allowed to take any pieces and are discouraged from touching it. When visiting, keep pets away from the corpse, and keep an eye on the ocean for safety's sake.

The interpretive presentation and parking at Oswald West are both free. Park at the North Short Sand Trailhead on US Highway 101, and follow the trail signs from the parking area to Short Sand Beach, then walk north.