Whales washed up near Eastern Lake yesterday??

[llsnd98]

We were up at Seaside this morning and heard that two live whales came ashore yesterday near Eastern Lake/Lakewood? Does anyone know if this is true? She said they took them to Marine World (I don't know if that's exactly the right name)and that one of them even had bites from a Cutter shark. We're at Eastern Lake everyday and never heard anything about it. Just wondering...

 

[NotDeadYet]

Yes. They were pygmy sperm whales, and unfortunately, they did not make it. Both whales had wounds from cookie cutter sharks. One was at the foot of Lakewood Dr, the other one over near the EL outlet. The turtle watch people called for help and Gulf World sent out a stranding crew. They were off the beach by about 8:30 a.m.

 

[DD]

 

[llsnd98]

I'm sorry to hear they didn't make it - but thanks for replying.

 

[IRIETYMES]

Too bad about the whales.....never heard of cookie cutter sharks...what species is that exactly? Common about here? Where usually located?

 

[NotDeadYet]

Here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cookiecutter_shark

I had heard of them sometime before this, but so long ago I can't remember in what context. Seems they are not often seen and are mostly in deep water. I guess that makes sense - we don't often see whales, either. I'm just going to guess that whatever happened, it happened way out there somewhere.

 

[RiverOtter]

Did you get any pics

 

[jodiFL]

cookie cutter shark

their bite.

 

[Ocean Lover]

Interesting but sad story. Thanks for posting. I had no idea about cookie cutter sharks. I asked my son if he had heard of them...he said sure..duh. He went through a shark phase like some kids go through dinosaur phases.