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A massive, 20-foot-long humpback whale was found washed up on the beach on the morning of Monday, Jan. 16 near the Maryland Oversand Vehicle Area, according to the National Park Service, which is currently closed to allow the whale to be properly dealt with.
It is unclear what caused the death, and a necropsy by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is scheduled for this week.
“National Park Service staff at Assateague Island National Seashore will use heavy equipment to move the whale to the upper part of the beach,” according to officials.
"After the necropsy is completed, it will be moved into the dunes and allowed to dry out prior to its eventual burial. All parts of the animal are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.”
Anyone who is in the area has been advised to keep a safe distance and ensure that all dogs are leashed as a precaution. Officials also made note that the carcass may smell, but the odor should be contained to approximately 50 yards from the dead whale.
Officials also made note that “all marine mammals, alive or dead, are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and collection of any parts is prohibited.”
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