DFO to assess beached whale in Spaniard's Bay

A whale entangled in fishing gear has washed ashore in Spaniard's Bay.

In a statement, officials with DFO will travel to the area to assess the situation.

The public is being asked to remain away from the whale.

A beached whale can pose several risks to both people and the surrounding environment. Dead whales can carry bacteria and pathogens that may be harmful to humans and pets.

As a whale decomposes, it produces gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. These gases can create strong odors and may be hazardous in concentrated amounts. In rare cases, decomposition gases build up inside the whale's body, causing it to rupture unexpectedly.