Beaked Whales Washing up on Beaches Across the Eastern US

A species of rarely-seen whale was found washed ashore this week in separate incidents in Florida and New York, puzzling marine mammal experts.

Thursday beachgoers in Cape San Blas, a community on the Florida panhandle about 65 miles southeast of Panama City, found a 13-foot long Blainsville's beaked whale stranded on the shores there.

Beaked whales are one of the least known groups of marine mammals because of their deep-sea habits. They are capable of staying underwater for more than an hour and generally keep to depths of 1,600 feet or greater. The distinguishing feature of these whales is their snout, which is somewhat similar to a dolphin's beak.

"In my 18 years, this is only the third one that has washed up on our shores," Secret Holmes-Douglas, director of animal care and training at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City, told the Tallahassee Democrat on Friday. "They are in our area, but typically they are found offshore."

Gulf World animal experts responded to the call about the beached whale.

The whale was found alive, but it was in a condition that marine mammal experts deemed the whale could not be rehabilitated. It was humanely euthanized.

Earlier this week on the eastern shores of Long Island in New York, another two beaked whales were found washed up on the beach.

Marine mammal experts there identified the whales as True's beaked whales.

One was found Sunday and another turned up Monday about four miles away from the first one, The Associated Press reported.

Like the incident in Florida, it had been years since a beaked whale was found beached there, the AP said.

Neceopsies are being conducted on each of the deceased whales.