Some 230 pilot whales were found stranded Wednesday off the west coast of Tasmania, Australia. Australian authorities say only half of the animals found are likely to remain alive.
“230 whales stranded near Macquarie Harbour,” confirmed the Tasmanian State Department of Natural Resources and Environment. “Around half of the animals are alive”, completes the entity.
Through aerial images, it is possible to observe dozens of black mammals scattered on the beach, where, almost two years ago, a similar episode occurred. In 2020, 500 pilot whales were found stranded, but just over 100 survived.
The cause of whale strandings in that region is not yet fully understood. Scientists suggest it could be caused by small groups straying from the paths they normally take after feeding too close to shore.
Pilot whales are social animals and stay in groups and when they get close to the beach, they may not be able to escape and end up running aground. Authorities confirmed that marine conservation experts and some whale rescue teams were on their way to the site.
Source: TSF
