MIAMI – Marine biologists are working to determine why a young sperm whale became stranded on a Miami beach Tuesday morning.
According to NOAA, the whale was still alive when it washed ashore but had to be humanely euthanized.
Local 10 News obtained video of the whale’s arrival from Only in Dade.
NOAA officials said the whale, which measured around 13 feet long, will undergo a necropsy at NOAA’s lab in Miami to help determine what caused it to strand.
Experts say marine mammals typically end up on shore when they’re sick, injured, or — especially in the case of young animals — separated from their mothers and unable to survive on their own.
Officials are reminding the public to report any sightings of dead or injured marine mammals by calling 1-877-942-5343 so trained responders can assess the situation.
NOAA thanked the Marine Animal Response Society and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for their help.
