SANIBEL, Fla. An 8-foot whale was euthanized Wednesday after beaching itself on Lighthouse Beach, despite several attempts to save it.
It appeared to be either a pygmy or dwarf sperm whale, according the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
A necropsy will be performed to determine the whale’s age, FWC PIO officer Brian Norris said.
It is unclear why the whale beached itself.
Those who see a stranded whale or dolphin are urged not to push them back into the water, as it’s usually a sign the animal is in distress.
Instead, call the FWC hotline at 863-648-3200.
No further information is immediately available.