About 230 pilot whales were found stranded on Wednesday off the west coast of Tasmania, Australia. Australian authorities say only half of the animals found are likely to survive.
The Tasmanian State Department of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed that “230 whales stranded near Port Macquarie”. “Almost half of the animals are alive,” this entity continues.
Using aerial images, it is possible to see dozens of black mammals scattered across the beach, where, nearly two years ago, a similar episode occurred. In 2020, 500 pilot whales were found stranded, but just over 100 whales survived.
The cause of whale strands in that region is not yet fully understood. Scientists suggest that it could be caused by small groups moving away from the paths they normally take after feeding near the beach.
Pilot whales are social animals and follow in groups, and when you get close to shore, you may not be able to escape and end up stranded. Authorities confirmed that marine conservation experts and some whale rescue equipment were on their way to the site.
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