PACIFICA, Calif. (KRON/MEDIA GENERAL) – Volunteers from Sausalito’s Marine Mammal Center are investigating a dead whale that turned up on the San Mateo County coastline.
The adult sperm whale was discovered Tuesday morning on the beach at Mori Point in Pacifica, only steps away from a popular hiking trail near Sharp Park Golf Course. Hikers said they thought at first the animal was a large rock. But, upon closer inspection, they realized it was a 49-50 foot long sperm whale.
A necropsy will be performed Wednesday, according to the Marine Mammal Center. An initial exam showed no signs of trauma to the whale’s body.
Sperm whales live at least 60-70 years, according to NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. Adult males reach 50 feet in length and weigh 120,000 pounds. Females grow to more than 36 feet and weigh 55,000 pounds.
Stay tuned to KRON 4, the KRON 4 Mobile App, and KRON4.com for the latest on this developing story.
Alyssa Castro Roxas / PHOTOS
