False Killer Whale Sea World
Saturday a rare False Killer Whale stranded itself on South Nags Head beach in what is believed to be only the second occurrence to ever happen in North Carolina. The false killer whale is a rare whale species found in more tropical waters then those found off the coast of North Carolina.
Karen Clark with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission told the Virginia Pilot
The 14-foot female false killer whale stranded on a South Nags Head beach Saturday. It was only the second time the species has been reported to be stranded in the state, Clark said. The animal, normally found in tropical waters, appeared thin and may have been ailing, she said.
Its remains were sent to the Smithsonian Institution, she said, because there are few samples of the species.
Rough seas off the coast is believed to be partially responsible for the recent beachings that included a number of turtles as well as the false killer whale and a 30 foot humpback whale discovered Tuesday.
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