Whale Found Dead On Long Island Beach Was Likely Hit By Boat

LONG BEACH, NY – A dead 32-foot humpback whale found dead on a Long Island beach was likely hit by a boat, according to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.

The female whale, estimated to be about 2-5 years old, washed up in Long Beach on Friday.

A necropsy performed on the whale Saturday revealed "signs of bruising consistent with vessel strike," the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society said in a post on its Facebook page.

Samples were taken to be sent to a pathologist to help confirm a cause of death. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement is also investigating the whale’s death as there is an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for humpback whales.

There were numerous photos and videos posted on social media that showed people touching the dead whale and posing for selfies next to it.

"While we understand and appreciate the public interest of this animal, it is important to note that the public should keep the minimum distance of 150 feet away from live and deceased marine mammals at all times as they are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act," the conservation society said. "The public should not touch these animals as there are safety and disease transmission risks."

Photos via Facebook/Atlantic Marine Conservation Society