Endangered Fin Whale Found Washed Up on Oregon Beach

An endangered fin whale, a member of one of the world's largest whale species, was discovered washed up on an Oregon shore, entangled, emaciated, and covered in apparent wounds from killer whales. The 46-foot-long whale, a subadult male, was found dead at Sunset Beach State Park near the Washington border.

NOAA Fisheries report

NOAA Fisheries West Coast reported the stranding on Monday, indicating that the whale had a thick rope wrapped around the top of its mouth. A necropsy revealed that the whale was thin, emaciated, and likely died from an underlying illness. The examination also showed fresh and superficial entanglement, along with wounds from killer whales, known as "rake marks," which are caused when orcas use their teeth to injure other animals.

Threats to fin whales

The population of fin whales in the Pacific Northwest region is estimated at roughly 11,000, and the species faces significant threats such as fishing equipment entanglements and vessel strikes. The fin whale is a baleen whale, using baleen instead of teeth to filter prey from the water, and can live up to nearly a century, growing to lengths of up to 85 feet and weighing 80 tons.

Pathology report and ongoing challenges

The pathology report is expected to provide further information in the coming weeks. The discovery of the emaciated and injured whale highlights the ongoing challenges faced by endangered species in their struggle for survival.