14-Foot Long Whale with Shark Bites Found Dead on Florida Key's Waters

A Gervais' beaked whale was found dead near the Florida Keys, prompting experts to investigate the sad fate of the whale.

The male whale was about a 14-foot-long animal, having scars from potential shark bites.

Experts have been monitoring the whales in the area and rarely saw the recent whale that passed away.

According to NOAA Fishers, the Gervais' beaked whale can weigh up to 2,640 pounds. They have a life span of up to 48 years, thriving in Southeast, New England and Mid-Atlantic waters.

The said whale population, with little information about their family, can be seen off the Gulf of Mexico and U.S Atlantic Coast waters.

Experts are having difficulty tracking the Gervais' beaked whale population because of their elusive and cryptic behavior while on the oceans. They consume fish, shrimp and other small aquatic animals.

14-Foot Long Whale died

(Photo : by The Advocate - Pool/Getty Images)
Pilot whales. Experts are investigating the death of a 14-foot-long whale found in the Florida Keys. The animal was discovered with scars from possible shark bites.

The male Gervais' beaked whale emerged near Harry Harris Park, according to reports. Immediately, concerned people called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ask for assistance.

The animal was very weak and later on died.

Biologist Art Cooper from the Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder explained that the whale was an older animal, adding that it was too early to say how it died.

The whale might have likely died from old age.

As the Gervais' beaked whales are rarely seen, they also suffer from the following threats:

Continuous hunting
Ocean noise and pollution
Commercial fishing gear entanglement

Furthermore, the report said the whale had scars likely from shark bites. Biologist Cooper stated that healing those shark bite wounds would have taken time for the whale.

Authorities towed the dead whale and will undergo necropsy to understand its cause of death.

Soaring temperatures in the Florida waters

Recently, soaring temperatures emerged over the Florida waters amidst the record-breaking heat in the U.S.

Experts explained that the Florida waters at Manatee Bay reached high ocean temperatures like a boiling hot tub.

High temperatures could affect the coral reef system on the Florida coast. Corals are sensitive to changes in temperature. The decline of coral health impacts many aquatic animals.

Also Read: Unique Strawberry Feather Star: New Aquatic Species Has 20 Arms Discovered in Antarctica

The Walrus pup died due to poor health

Meanwhile, an orphaned and month-old walrus had died due to health issues.

The Pacific walrus calf was found in Northern Alaska and immediately transferred to an animal care center.

When the walrus calf arrived at the Alaska Sealife Center, the animal suffered from health complications, such as malnutrition, cloudy eye and infection.

It was unusual for walrus pups to roam alone, and they would find survival challenging without maternal care.

In most cases, a walrus calf without maternal supervision die.

With the hope of saving the animal, the walrus calf was provided with around-the-clock cuddling and monitoring before succumbing to its health issues.