Rangers relocate dead adult humpback to secluded spot near K’gari

Authorities have safely removed the dead adult humpback whale after it had beached itself near a popular tourist spot.

Rangers have safely removed a dead humpback whale after the mammal had beached itself near K’gari, previously known as Fraser Island.

The adult whale, which was about 10 to 12m in length, was spotted by a member of the public on Sunday.

A dead adult humpback whale was spotted on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

Marine Park rangers have since secured the mammal in secluded mangroves near Dream Island in the Great Sandy Strait off K’gari.

The whale was towed about 1km from where it initially beached itself to allow the natural processes of decomposition to continue.

Authorities confirmed no necropsy would be performed but samples of the animal had been taken for analysis.

The dead adult humpback was towed to a secluded mangrove spot near K'gari. Picture: Supplied

“During the annual migration, whales can strand or die for different reasons, including poor health, injury or predation,” a Department of Environment, Science and Innovation spokeswoman said.

“Whenever a whale strands or moves on the tides in open water, people are advised to stay away from the animal. Whales can carry zoonotic diseases, and people are advised never to touch them.”

DESI urged people to avoid approaching stranded or dead whales, as sharks can feed on the carcasses.

Deceased or stranded marine life should be reported immediately to the department or to the relevant council.

Originally published as Rangers relocate dead adult humpback to secluded spot near K’gari