NAGS HEAD, N.C. (AP) — A juvenile sperm whale that appeared to be in poor health was euthanized Wednesday after stranding on a beach on the Outer Banks.

What You Need To Know

  • A juvenile sperm whale was found in the surf Wednesday morning in Nags Head

  • The female whale appeared to be suffering illness or stress

  • Marine mammal specialists determined that euthanasia was the best course of action

The Virginian-Pilot newspaper reported the whale was put down near Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.

The female whale, which was about 27 feet long, was spotted in the surf about 7:30 a.m., prompting members of the OBX Marine Mammal Stranding Network to respond. They observed the mammal for a few hours until the tide dropped.

The N.C. Aquarium STAR Center on Roanoke Island also responded to the stranding. 

"Usually when that happens what that means is that the animal is under some type of stress or illness," said Amber Hitt, manager of the STAR Center.

The aquarium said in a statement that euthanasia was the best course of action because rehabilitation for many large whale species is difficult or impossible.

"A humane euthanasia is kind of the best protocol," Hitt said.

The aquarium said experts will perform a thorough examination of the whale's body to learn more about it and possibly determine the cause of its stranding.

It's unusual to see sperm whales in the area, Hitt said, but strandings are common.

Sperm whales are the biggest species of whale with teeth and can grow to 60 feet long. They are listed as endangered and federally protected. They were nearly decimated by the whaling industry in the 19th and 20th centuries because of the prized waxy substance found in their heads, spermaceti, that was used in oil lamps, lubricants and candles.