Barnegat NJ, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center team reported an examination of the humpback whale that washed a shore at Barnegat Light. This is the same carcass that had previously washed up dead in the surf in Loveladies on 12/24, however the tide pulled the carcass back out, the carcass later coming to rest at Barnegat Light on Christmas Day. Samples and measurements were taken, and only a partial necropsy was able to be performed due to the advanced decomposition of the partially frozen carcass. The male humpback whale was 32 feet in length, and estimated to be approximately 2-3 years old.
Marks along part of the body were determined to be from the wave action dragging the carcass across the submerged portion of the jetty, and occurred post-mortem. Examination of the stomach contents did not reveal the presence of any recently-eaten food, or fish bones from prior feeding activity. A definitive cause of death could not be determined. One interesting finding was noted, as shown in the second and third photos. Evidence of a prior failed attempt by a young orca to take this whale was found on the tail fluke. The healed scar shows the imprints of all of the teeth on both sides of the orca’s jaws raking across the humpback whale’s tail. It is likely the failed attack occurred during the humpback whale’s spring migration returning north from the Caribbean, and the whale’s mother was able to defend it against the inexperienced young orca. We have seen healed orca teeth rake marks during necropsies of other humpback whales in the past, but this is the most distinct example we have documented to date.
While it always saddens us to see a deceased whale, there is always something to be learned about the fascinating lives of these animals during a necropsy.
Willy?