Fears mount that dead whale stuck off Hawaii beach will be magnet for tiger sharks

A large dead sperm whale washed up near Hawaii’s Pilaa Beach, and experts predict a tiger shark feeding frenzy likely will follow.

The carcass is 50 to 60 feet in length and weighs approximately 50,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Tourists are being warned to stay clear of the area and out of the water.

“While in a remote location, officials still caution that it is extremely unsafe to go anywhere near the whale carcass,” the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a Dec. 1 news release.

“Tiger sharks will likely be drawn to the area to feed on the deceased whale, and high surf is expected for the area.”

Shark warning signs have been posted around the carcass, which grounded on an outer reef off the north shore of Kauai.

“Experts believe the whale died at sea four to five days ago and floated ashore,” state officials said.

“As the whale decomposes, oils and tissue from the carcass will likely wash ashore. ... Owners should keep dogs and other pets away from the material, so they don’t eat it and get sick.”

Even touching the carcass is problematic, officials said. It is against federal and state law to take “body parts or bones from protected marine species, like sperm whales,” the state says.

The carcass is being monitored, but there are no plans to remove it at this time. “This (whale) is a gift to the overall coastal ecosystem and will provide nourishment for crabs, snails, sharks, and other wildlife,” officials said.

Adult male sperm whales average about 45 tons and 52 feet, NOAA Fisheries says. They live as long as 60 years, too.

“Tiger sharks are aggressive predators” that grow to 18 feet and 2,000 pounds, OCEANA.org reports. The species is “famous for eating just about anything they find or are able to capture,” the site says.

This story was originally published December 2, 2021 at 12:26 PM with the headline "Fears mount that dead whale stuck off Hawaii beach will be magnet for tiger sharks."