THE BODY OF AN ADULT HUMPBACK WHALE WASHED UP ON A SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BEACH LAST WEEK. THE MODERATELY DECOMPOSED, 45 FOOT WHALE WAS FOUND AFTER SUNSET THURSDAY, ON PALM BEACH IN THE PAJARO DUNES AREA OUTSIDE OF WATSONVILLE. NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF TRAUMA WERE APPARENT, MAKING A NECROPSY NECESSARY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH. AFTER THE NECROPSY THE CARCASS IS TO BE BURIED OR TOWED OUT TO SEA. PEOPLE WHO FIND whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles CAN report THEM to Long Marine Laboratory AT 831-212-1272.
