Dead Whale Found Near Golden Gate Bridge Was Likely Struck By Boat

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A dead gray whale was found floating near the Golden Gate Bridge on Tuesday, marking the first whale death of the year, according to officials.

The whale, a 42-foot adult female, had been recently feeding and was in fair to normal body condition, according to a necropsy performed by the Marine Mammal Center.

Scientists believe the whale may have been hit by some kind of vessel, although more tests will have to be conducted to further confirm the cause of death, according to officials.

The death comes amid growing concern for the species, which continues to see a decline and its lowest numbers since the 1970s, according to the Marine Mammal Center.

Scientists have been seeing whales go through an unusual mortality event that has decimated populations by over 50% since 2016, officials said.

Whales are currently on their way north for their yearly migratory journey to the Arctic. They often stop in the San Francisco Bay to rest and feed along the shore, officials said. Six whales were spotted in the Bay Area shortly before this one's death.