Sperm whale dies after beaching along Florida's Gulf Coast

Source: AP

VENICE, Fla. (AP) — In a rare occurrence along Florida's Gulf Coast, a large sperm whale that drew national attention after beaching itself on a sandbar died Monday, state wildlife officials said.

The whale was measured at about 44 feet (13 meters) long, roughly the size of a large school bus. It weighs as much as 70,000 pounds (31,700 kilograms), officials said.

Police and wildlife officials began trying Sunday morning to free the male whale just off the beach in Venice, Florida. By that evening, the whale was suffering from labored breathing and died around 3 a.m. Monday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Today, biologists will collect samples to attempt to determine cause of illness and death and to better understand sperm whale health, and life history,” the FWC said in a statement.



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