Severely injured whale washes up dead on beach | Environment

A severely injured whale that has been seen circling in the waters near Olympia was found dead on a beach in south Puget Sound on Saturday morning, experts said.

A preliminary examination of the animal found that it was a Bryde's (pronounced "broo-dess") whale - and that it had more injuries than originally thought, said experts with Cascadia Research in Olympia.

The whale originally was spotted in November, and was missing a large chunk of flesh and blubber on its back - likely cause by a collision with a fast moving twin engine boat, according to biologist John Calambokidis.

The whale's injuries were believed to be caused by a spinning propeller and could be seen across the top of the back, extending down to the spinal cord.

Calambokidis said earlier that the injuries were likely to be fatal. The whale was observed trying to surface erratically over the past week.

The whale's carcass was examined Saturday by Cascadia biologists after it washed up on the beach - and before it was submerged by an incoming high tide.

The preliminary examination showed the animal had additional injuries other than those visible when it was alive. The exact nature of those injuries were not immediately available.

Arrangements are now being made for possible relocation of the whale, if needed, and also for a complete examination that will be conducted in coming days.

Bryde's whales are very rare in Puget Sound.