Beached Whales: A Hidden Danger!
BY: Purnima Mishra
A beached whale is a whale that has became stranded on a beach. This phenomenon is also know as cetacean stranding.
Beached Whales
There are multiple reasons behind whale beaching. It could be sickness, injury, bad weather or hunting. Whales often die once they are stranded.
Causes For Whale Beaching
It is believed that the decomposing flesh can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, posing a health risk to anyone who comes into contact with it.
Health Risks
It is said that going close to stranded or dead whale is dangerous as the body produce large amounts of methane gas, which can bloat significantly.
Gas Buildup
If the pressure from gas becomes too high, the whale's skin can rupture, releasing the gas with explosive force.
Explosive Potential
Even a seemingly stable whale carcass can suddenly explode if disturbed, even by a small poke.
Unpredictable Behaviour