Federal investigators probing after endangered whale dies

GORHAM (AP/WGME) -- Federal investigators are looking into how a 43-foot-long endangered right whale found dead near Boothbay over the weekend became trapped in fishing gear, likely causing its death.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the whale was found Friday.

The adult female had fishing gear ropes wrapped around her head, mouth, flippers and tail. She weighed about 45 tons.

The whale was later towed into Portland Harbor. The animal was then taken to a Gorham farm. A necropsy was performed Sunday.

The group is trying to determine who owns the fishing gear. It wasn't immediately known what, if any, punishment could be handed down.

Officials say there are an estimated 500 right whales living in the North Atlantic. They feed by opening their mouths and swimming through groups of zooplankton.