Representatives from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) are investigating the stranding of a sperm whale on the beach in Fort Morgan. Social media posts indicate the whale appears to have a significant bite mark. Further details will be available following the DISL team's report.

This is not the first sperm whale stranding in the area. In November 2020, another whale was discovered in Mobile Bay near Fort Morgan. That whale, approximately 35 feet long, was in poor condition, showing signs of emaciation and difficulty swimming.

Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. These animals usually inhabit deep offshore waters, making strandings in shallow areas rare. Such incidents often suggest the whales are in poor health or distress.

Experts stress the importance of reporting sightings of stranded or distressed marine mammals. The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network can be reached at 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343). For the safety of both humans and animals, the public is advised to keep a safe distance from stranded marine mammals.

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This recent stranding highlights the need to monitor and protect marine life along the Gulf Coast. Ongoing efforts by organizations like DISL aim to address the challenges faced by these endangered animals.