Tragic Event in Kitty Hawk: Juvenile Humpback Whale Washes Ashore

News Summary

On December 27, 2024, a juvenile female humpback whale washed ashore at Kitty Hawk, raising concerns among marine biologists about the health of the ocean’s creatures. Measuring 27.5 feet and weighing 19,000 pounds, the whale showed no obvious injuries. A necropsy revealed scallop shells in its stomach, indicating it may have come from the Caribbean. The findings will inform NOAA as investigations into the cause of death, possibly linked to vessel strikes, continue. Despite the tragedy, the whale’s skeleton will be used for educational opportunities.

Tragic Event in Kitty Hawk: Juvenile Humpback Whale Washes Ashore

On December 27, 2024, the quiet shores of Kitty Hawk became the center of attention when a juvenile female humpback whale washed ashore near the Bennett Street Public Beach Access. Measuring an impressive 27.5 feet long and weighing around 19,000 pounds, this magnificent creature was a sight to see, but its presence raised concerns about the health of marine life.

No Obvious Injuries Found

Upon the initial examination of the whale, experts noted that there were no apparent external injuries or signs indicating any form of human interaction. This raised questions among marine biologists who are currently investigating the possible causes of this unfortunate event. One of the hypotheses being explored is the possibility of vessel strikes contributing to the whale’s demise.

Early on that fateful morning, between 6 and 7 a.m., the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline received reports of the whale on the beach, prompting swift action from dedicated team members and numerous volunteers eager to assist with the situation.

A Peek Inside the Stomach

During a necropsy led by the marine mammal stranding coordinator, scientists discovered scallop shells (Euvola marensis) in the whale’s stomach. This intriguing find suggests that the whale may have spent time in the warm Caribbean waters, perhaps before its sad journey to the shores of Kitty Hawk. The necropsy also indicated signs of shark scavenging on the whale, hinting that it had been deceased for a while prior to its discovery.

Investigating the Cause of Death

While the necropsy offered some insights, the cause of death remains uncertain. Current analyses have revealed signs of damaged tissue that could potentially indicate a vessel strike, but the exact timing of how and when it occurred is still a mystery. Observations from the post-mortem examination suggested unusual pooling of blood in the whale’s head and decomposition within its internal organs, adding layers to this complex puzzle.

Continuing Research for Marine Health

The findings from this heartbreaking incident will be submitted to NOAA for further examination. Still, this whale’s tragic end is a stark reminder of the ongoing “unusual mortality event” that has affected humpback whales since 2017. Many deaths linked to this event have been associated with entanglement and vessel strikes, bringing much-needed attention to the health and safety of these majestic creatures.

Educational Opportunities for the Community

In a silver lining amidst the tragedy, the whale’s skeleton has been collected for educational purposes by Water’s Edge Village Charter School in Corolla. This will provide students and the community a unique opportunity to learn more about marine life and the challenges they face.

A Call to Action for the Public

The community is urged to avoid touching or disturbing the whale or any marine mammals they may come across. Instead, they are encouraged to report any sightings to the appropriate authorities to enhance the well-being of marine life in the area. The unique fluke pattern of the whale will also be sent to other experts in hopes of identifying this juvenile creature, further promoting awareness and understanding of the challenges humpback whales face.

Moving Forward

It’s a sad time for our marine environments, but rest assured, the dedicated teams working in the field remain vigilant. They are committed to uncovering the truth behind this incident and working towards protecting the marine life that so many of us cherish. As we face these challenges, let’s keep our shared waters safe for all its inhabitants!