SEASIDE, Ore. (AP) — A rarely seen minke (“mink-ee”) whale has washed ashore near the South Jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Seaside, Ore., Aquarium Manager Keith Chandler says the young whale spotted Tuesday measured just over 13 feet and was probably about to be weaned. Full-grown minke whales can reach 30 feet. Chandler says they’re common in Northwest waters but typically stay far out to sea.
A Portland State University biology class plans a necropsy on the whale Wednesday.
Debbie Duffield is a Portland State biology professor and coordinator of the North Coast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network. She plans to bring a class to Seaside to learn more about the creature.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
