NAGS HEAD, N.C. — A young sperm whale was found stranded on the beach in Nags Head on Wednesday, Dec. 27 will have to be euthanized, CBS affiliate WNCN reported.
According to the North Carolina Aquarium of Roanoke Island when a whale is stranded by itself, it indicates the whale's health is in decline.
"Because rehabilitation for many large species is difficult or impossible, the best course of action is humane euthanasia," wrote the aquarium on Facebook.
Around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the aquarium posted the whale was found near Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.
Because the whale is in the swash zone, the aquarium said it is not safe for humans to work with for the time being and asked beachgoers not to enter the water for their safety.
After euthanization, experts will perform a necropsy, or animal autopsy, to learn more and determine a cause for the stranding.
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