CEBU CITY – Authorities have warned against handling or coming into close contact with the carcass of a sperm whale found in the sea of Bohol province on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
AUTHORITIES check the carcass of a sperm whale found in the sea of Banakon Island, Getafe, Bohol on Tuesday, Dec. 17. (Getafe MDRRMO)
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas (BFAR-7) reminded the public to avoid the carcass for safety reasons.
The BFAR-7 said the remains of the sea creature – “balyena” in Filipino – could pose health risks as decaying animal carcasses may carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens.
“Additionally, the situation may require further investigation by authorities to determine the cause of death,” BFAR-7 said in a statement.
The agency confirmed that the sperm whale was found dead in the sea of Banakon Island in Getafe town. It was 14.40 meters in length with a girth of six meters, a 2.6-meter fluke, and 1.23-meter flippers.
The whale bore “significant injuries,” particularly in the ventral region.
“However, these injuries are unlikely to be the cause of death. It is possible that the injuries occurred while the animal was drifting lifeless,” BFAR-7 said.