FWC: Humpback whale washes ashore on Florida beach

FERNADINA BEACH, Fla. — A whale died after washing ashore on a Florida beach near Jacksonville Sunday morning, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said.

The 30-foot humpback whale washed ashore on Fernadina Beach around 10 a.m., FWC officials said.

The whale showed signs of scavenging by sharks, FWC officials said, which are natural predators to humpback whales.

Fish and wildlife officials will perform a necropsy Monday to determine the cause of death for the whale.

Officials are leaving the whale on the beach because it is too big to move—but urge onlookers not to disturb it.

The humpback whale was not fully grown, since they can reach 60 feet, FWC officials said.

Cox Media Group