Advertisement

2 pilot whales dead, 2 euthanized after beaching themselves in southwest Florida

A beached pilot whale is tended to on New Pass south of Lover's Key on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, in Lee County, Fla. AP Photo/The News-Press, Andrew West

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. – Two pilot whales have died and two were euthanized after they beached themselves in southwest Florida.

Kim Amendola of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service said the mammals were among a group of about four dozen whales that swam into shallow waters Sunday and Monday.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NOAA regional stranding co-ordinator Blair Mase said necropsies would be performed on the dead whales. She said the surviving whales were listless and emaciated.

In Lee County, a handful of the mammals were stranded near shore, while more than a dozen others were seen swimming nearby. Yet another dozen were spotted farther offshore.

Amendola said roughly two dozen other pilot whales were being monitored off Collier County.

Sponsored content

AdChoices