OUTER BANKS, N.C. — An adult whale in poor condition had to be put down Thursday afternoon, according to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The whale, found on Corolla Beach, was a female Kogia breviceps, or pygmy sperm whale, according to Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator Marina Doshkov.
It was stranded, or on the beach — and sick.
After seeing the body, they could quickly tell it was emaciated from what they suspect was a parasite that infects the central nervous system.
Following its euthanization, the whale was taken to Center for Marine Science and Technology in Morehead City for a necropsy conducted by veterinary students.
According to NOAA officials, it’s not uncommon to see them along the Outer Banks this time of year. In fact, the 10-year average suggests August as the key month to see them stranding.
NOAA states that their weight can range from 700 to 1,000 pounds, they can reach lengths of 11 feet, and have a lifespan of up to 23 years.
The toothed whales, like squid, can make a dark, ink-like liquid that aids in their escape from predators.