The carcass of a deceased sperm whale, estimated to be 35 feet long, has been towed about 10 miles off the Florida Keys to the Gulf Stream.
The marine mammal was discovered about a mile off Key Largo Thursday. Officials with the Marine Mammal Conservancy responded along with officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
MMC officials estimated the whale likely died in much deeper water at least two days ago and drifted in. They obtained skin and blubber samples that are to be examined in an effort to determine a cause of death.
Sea Tow Key Largo volunteered to drag the deceased whale offshore. The Gulf Stream current should carry the carcass well offshore, where much of it is likely to be consumed by predators.
