News Summary

A juvenile female humpback whale was discovered washed ashore in Kitty Hawk on December 27, 2024. Weighing 19,000 pounds and measuring 27.5 feet, the whale’s death has raised concerns among marine biologists, especially since its cause remains undetermined despite necropsy findings. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing issues that affect whale populations, including boat strikes and entanglements. The whale’s skeleton will be preserved for educational purposes, while further investigations continue to uncover more about this tragic event.

Juvenile Humpback Whale Found on Kitty Hawk Beach Sparks Investigation

Kitty Hawk, a charming coastal town, was the unexpected scene of a marine mystery when a juvenile female humpback whale was discovered washed ashore on December 27, 2024. The whale, measuring an impressive 27.5 feet long and weighing around 19,000 pounds, was spotted by local officials in the early hours, between 6 and 7 a.m., near the Bennett Street Public Beach Access.

Marine Teams Spring into Action

As word spread about the washed-up whale, a dedicated team of volunteers from the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network quickly mobilized to the scene. Marina Doshkov, the marine mammal stranding coordinator for Jennette’s Pier, took the lead in the efforts to assess the situation. With the assistance of the Town of Kitty Hawk employees who brought heavy equipment, the whale was carefully moved further up the beach to ensure both safety and respect for the majestic creature.

To keep onlookers at a distance, a visual perimeter was established around the whale, drawing a curious crowd of beachgoers, nature lovers, and concerned citizens eager to learn more about the situation.

A Closer Look Reveals More

The following day, marine biologists conducted a necropsy on the whale, which revealed some unusual findings. Despite a thorough examination, the cause of the whale’s death remains undetermined. There were no obvious external injuries at first glance. However, the necropsy did show signs of advanced decomposition, rated as a level 4 out of 5.

Interestingly, scientists discovered that the whale’s stomach contained dark sand, tiny fish bones, and even blue scallop shells. These findings indicate that the whale may have recently been swimming in the Caribbean waters before drifting north after its demise. Tissue damage was also noted, raising suspicions that the whale might have experienced a boat strike, though it remains uncertain if this occurred while the whale was alive or post-mortem.

Shark Bites and Future Investigations

Adding to the intrigue, evidence of post-mortem shark bites was found, suggesting that the whale became a meal for sharks after its death. The story of this whale doesn’t end here; its skeleton has been designated for educational purposes at Water’s Edge Village Charter School in Corolla. In a fascinating move, the bones will be buried and then exhumed in two years, with plans to create a stunning educational exhibit for students and visitors alike.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

The ongoing investigation into this whale’s death is part of a larger context—an ongoing unusual mortality event (UME) affecting humpback whales that has been recognized since 2017. This event includes a variety of tragic factors, primarily associated with ship strikes and entanglements in fishing gear. Observers are kindly urged to maintain a safe distance from stranded whales and to report any future sightings by calling 877-WHALE-HELP.

As photos of the whale’s unique fluke pattern are captured and shared with experts for identification, the community rallies around this mystery, advocating the importance of marine conservation and the majestic creatures inhabiting our oceans. The full results of the necropsy are expected in two to three months and will be submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for further analysis.

While the loss of the humpback whale is a somber event, it provides invaluable opportunity for education and understanding, reminding us all of our responsibility towards marine life and the environment.