47-Foot Fin Whale Found Near Anchorage

A 47-foot fin whale, an endangered species, washed ashore near Anchorage's Tony Knowles Coastal Trail over the weekend, attracting hundreds of onlookers. Biologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services have been examining the carcass to determine the cause of death. The whale, identified as a young female, showed no signs of major injuries or ship strikes, and its good condition suggests it died recently. Fin whales are rarely found this far north in the Knik Arm, and this event has been noted as unusual for the time of year. Samples, including skin, blubber, and organ tissues, are being collected to conduct further analyses, which may take several months to provide conclusive results. The presence of the whale has sparked community interest, with many people visiting the site to view the rare occurrence.