Massive fin whale carcass found on West Yarmouth shore
Cape Cod Times|Heather McCarron|May 13, 2025
After a massive fin whale washed up on a sandbar near Great Island in West Yarmouth, biologists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare on Cape Cod are investigating the cause of death, while officials figure out how to handle the whale’s remains.
After a massive fin whale washed up on a sandbar near Great Island in West Yarmouth, biologists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare on Cape Cod are investigating the cause of death, while officials figure out how to handle the whale’s remains.
After a massive fin whale washed up on a sandbar near Great Island in West Yarmouth, biologists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare on Cape Cod are investigating the cause of death, while officials figure out how to handle the whale’s remains.
The whale, a female estimated to weigh 80,000 to 100,000 pounds and measuring 65 feet — about five feet longer than a standard bowling lane — was found on private property on May 8, IFAW spokeswoman Stacey Hedman confirmed.
Early on May 9, she said, "IFAW performed a limited examination of the whale and collected some samples, which may help us learn more about this whale."
An update call with NOAA Fisheries is scheduled for May 13, Hedman added. Officials will share any new findings as …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]After a massive fin whale washed up on a sandbar near Great Island in West Yarmouth, biologists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare on Cape Cod are investigating the cause of death, while officials figure out how to handle the whale’s remains.
The whale, a female estimated to weigh 80,000 to 100,000 pounds and measuring 65 feet — about five feet longer than a standard bowling lane — was found on private property on May 8, IFAW spokeswoman Stacey Hedman confirmed.
Early on May 9, she said, "IFAW performed a limited examination of the whale and collected some samples, which may help us learn more about this whale."
An update call with NOAA Fisheries is scheduled for May 13, Hedman added. Officials will share any new findings as they become available.
A massive fin whale measuring 65 feet and weighing 80,000 to 100,000 pounds washed ashore in West Yarmouth and was reported to the town on May 8, 2025.
Yarmouth Natural Resources Director David Condon issued an advisory on May 12 outlining the town’s response to the stranding, noting that town officials immediately contacted IFAW after receiving the report of the stranding.
"The town of Yarmouth is working with federal, state and local partners to identify the best way to dispose of the whale in accordance with federal requirements," the advisory said.
Condon noted the whale is on private property and emphasized that "members of the public should not attempt to access the site to view the animal."
Fin whales are the second-largest species of whale after blue whales, which are the largest animals alive on the planet today. According to NOAA, fin whales are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which protects the whales throughout their range.
IFAW reminds the public that all dolphins, porpoises, and whales are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding, or otherwise harming the animals illegal. The best way to assist these animals is by calling trained responders and maintaining a 150-foot distance.
Reports in the Northeast can be directed to NOAA’s stranding hotline at 866-755-6622. On Cape Cod, the public should call IFAW directly at 508-743-9548.