Dead Young Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)

Observation by Maio Nishkian:

Beached whale, dead. Not sure why but last summer there were a lot in the area too.

Gay Sheffield, SeaGrant Bering Strait Marine Advisory Agent, writes:

Based on the photo, it is likely a young gray whale.

Barbara Mahoney, NOAA Acting Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator, writes:

Thanks for sharing the whale report from Pilot Point, we first heard about the gray whale on 7 June. I think some locals collected skin and sent that to Juneau. It is very good to know that this gray is still at Pilot Point on 24 June, since they sometimes move and old whales are reported at new locations.

Comments from LEO Editors:

If you see a sick or dead sea mammal, please report it immediately to the appropriate regional contact below:

NOAA’s Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network 24-hour Hotline: 877-925-7773

North Slope Borough: North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management: 907-852-0350

Bering Strait Region: Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program: 855-443-2397 / 907-434-1149

Bering Strait Region: Kawerak, Inc. Subsistence Program: 907-443-4265

Bering Strait Region: Eskimo Walrus Commission: 877-277-4392

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program: 855-443-2397 / 907-434-1149

You can also contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. Do not approach or touch injured or dead marine mammals.

All marine mammals are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Only local and state officials and people authorized by NOAA Fisheries may legally handle live and dead marine mammals.