Endangered Fin Whale Found Dead in Anchorage

A 47-foot-long endangered fin whale, believed to be 1 to 3 years old, washed up on a beach near the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage, Alaska, attracting significant public interest. NOAA biologists and Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services are investigating the cause of death, collecting various samples from the whale's carcass, which is challenging due to its decomposition. Fin whales, the second largest whale species, face threats from ship strikes, entanglements, and climate change, typically residing in deeper waters away from shore. The whale's presence in the area is unusual, potentially linked to recent high tides pushing it into the Knik Arm. While results from the necropsy may take a year, initial findings may take a couple of months to analyze. The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of fin whales and the need for conservation efforts.