SAN DIEGO — Researchers are trying to figure out what happened to the dead fin whale that ended up in Pacific Beach in San Diego on Sunday morning.
Fin whales are listed as an endangered species. Residents took to social media to lament the loss of the giant marine mammal.
"I walked down here and saw the whale rolling back and forth when the tide was high. It looked pristine like an immature whale," said Jim Weir, a Mission Beach resident.
Based on measurements by scientists, the whale was 52 feet long. It was described as a juvenile female fin whale. Researchers say it's the second largest species of whale in the world and not often seen in San Diego.
The whale's cause of death was not abundantly clear on Sunday. There were no signs of predation or propeller damage readily available on the scene.
"Most important thing we do now is make sure that research is done so we can test for contaminants and pollution and can find out the cause of death," said Kim Peterson with SeaWorld.
Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were on the scene collecting samples to determine exactly what happened to the whale.
Scientists noted bite markings from scavengers and signs of scavenging from birds, but it was not significant enough damage that would have killed the whale.
“What we can say is that it does not look like this animal died due to humans,” said Kerri Danil, Research Biologist with the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
Crews eventually used heavy equipment to push it back into the water. Then they used a rope and boat to tow it out to sea. Marine life experts say there is a chance the whale could wash back to shore but are hopeful it will stay in the ocean.
To report a dead marine mammal in San Diego County, call 858-546-7162.
To report a live marine mammal in San Diego County, call 800-541-732.