This is the time of year we have the chance to see whales migrating slowly past the island. Being on the beach in the right place at the right time depends mostly on luck. So far, I've not seen any whales this year, though I do keep a look out anytime I take my beach walk. Rumor has it that a baby humpback was beached on the north end of Ocracoke. I've not been down to see it yet, but apparently it's rather impressive. I've not heard a report of why it washed up, but I'll keep an ear out for more information.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the "Lost" Colony. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112111.htm.
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I've only seen a dead whale. It was on one of the more remote areas of Ocracoke beaches. This was 14 years ago. someone had been sawing parts off the body. philip is there a reason someone would want whale bone. I don't know much about (anything) the use of whale bone these days.
ReplyDeleteI guess I could ask my granddaughter the marine bioloigst to be. LOL. Actually she was 4 yrs old and with us when we discovered the dead whale.
My hubby found a washed up whale up beach in nags head many moons ago.
ReplyDeleteFascinating and sad to find them, it is....
As far as disposal, this is a lesson that came to mind:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFwxH3PPWiU
I'm likely incorrect, but don't NPS regulations forbid disturbing such remains? I think I've read something to that effect on signs along the beach over the years.
ReplyDeleteI happened upon the whale on Friday while out photographing. About a half-dozen scientists were doing an autopsy on it, with lungs, heart, other body parts already removed. They were trying to determine cause of death. The park ranger asked me not to take photos. Then changed his mind and asked that I not distribute any photos. (I chose not to take any.) The stench was pretty bad downwind. The whale, a small one I was told, had been there several days already and had deteriorated. They thought they would be unlikely to find cause of death. The remains get buried.
ReplyDeleteYour tax dollars at work...
ReplyDeleteI am not certain about the details, but I believe it is against federal statutes for individuals to disturb remains of protected species -- e.g. dolphins, whales, sea turtles.
ReplyDelete