Rahul Somvanshi
A juvenile female humpback whale washed ashore on Friday near the Bennett Street Beach Access in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 27, 2024. The 27-foot whale showed visible signs of shark scavenging when discovered, prompting an immediate response from wildlife authorities.
Marina Doshkov, Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator for the North Carolina Aquariums, confirmed a necropsy would be performed Saturday morning to determine the cause of death.
Local resident Charlie Parker recalled recent whale sightings: “It’s sad, just flat out sad. A couple of weeks ago, there were some whales going by close enough to shore that people could see them, and the beach was lined with people watching.”
The incident drew numerous onlookers, including Pennsylvania tourist Renee Kirland, who expressed disbelief. “I have never in my life seen something like this,” she remarked.
Thaad Tate, a 38-year-old local resident, shared his perspective: “I’ve lived here since I was 11 years old. I’ve never seen anything like this. I really hate to see it, it’s a beautiful animal. Hate to see it wash up ashore but it is an amazing thing to see.”
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Environmental Impact and Previous Incidents
In 2024, multiple whale strandings occurred along the coast, including a pygmy sperm whale in Corolla during August 2024, which required euthanization due to emaciation, another humpback whale near Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in April 2024, and at least three whales that washed up in or near Virginia Beach.
Caroline York, an observer at the scene, commented on environmental implications: “This actually puts it in perspective, like how much we actually have to think about how humans impact the environment. Even if it didn’t die because of us, it still helps you think about it.”
NOAA officials noted that whale strandings are common in North Carolina this time of year as they migrate south. Earlier this month, they confirmed that a whale spotted entangled in fishing gear off the East Coast was not the same individual found in Kitty Hawk.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities established a perimeter around the whale and advised the public against touching it, citing legal protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Anyone encountering stranded whales should contact the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 877-942-5343.
The Virginia Aquarium has been contacted to assist with the investigation. A necropsy is scheduled for Saturday morning.
