Dead sperm whale washes ashore near Seaside, likely struck by vessel, experts say – KATU

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by Jeff Kirsch
A dead sperm whale washed ashore north of Seaside – Courtesy Seaside Aquarium

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SEASIDE, Ore. (KATU) — It was quite a sight for beachgoers near Seaside on Thursday when a large adult whale washed ashore between Del Ray and Sunset Beach about 12 miles north of Seaside.
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The Seaside Aquarium says the whale was first spotted dead floating in the water on May 23, about 15 miles offshore. It was spotted again on May 27, about 7 miles offshore before washing ashore.
A necropsy performed Sunday by Portland State University, Cascadia Research Collective, and the Seaside Aquarium showed damage to the vertebrate and hemorrhaging, indicating the whale was struck by a vessel.

The nearly 53-foot-long adult sperm whale will remain on the beach to decompose, and researchers say it will provide food for other animals, such as turkey vultures, bald eagles, and coyotes.
The Seaside Aquarium reminds the public to look but not touch the whale, as they could spread potential diseases.
Adult sperm whales can weigh over 40 tons and grow to be 60 feet long, according to the Aquarium.
*Editor's Note: Explosives will not be used

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