Authorities are investigating after a gray whale carcass on Whidbey Island had its initials carved into it.
OAK PORT, Wash. — Authorities are investigating reports that someone carved their initials into the carcass of a gray whale that washed up on Whidbey Island earlier this week.
The Cascadia Research Center confirmed in a statement that the whale had markings carved into its skin.
The whale was first reported floating along the west side of Whidbey Island on Wednesday, according to Cascadia Research Group. Video from the scene showed the whale drifting off West Beach Road in North Sunset Beach.
The whale is the 19th gray whale found dead in Washington waters this year, a record number that raises concerns about an ongoing threat to the species.
The Island County Sheriff’s Office later said on social media that the whale washed ashore.
Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network have been notified and are expected to evaluate the whale. The Sheriff’s Office said it is awaiting guidance from NOAA on next steps.
Since March 2, the Cascadia Research Collective has documented stranded gray whales in multiple areas of Washington, including near Anacortes, Ocean Shores, Sequim, Desceps Pass and Long Beach. Researchers say many of the whales appear to be malnourished.
John Kalambokidis, founder of the Cascadia Research Center, previously told KING 5 that starvation is believed to be a major factor in many deaths and that climate change has reduced food supplies in foraging areas in Alaska and the Arctic.
Anyone who encounters an injured or stranded marine mammal is asked to contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: 1-866-767-6114. Officials also advise the public not to approach marine mammals.
