(November 22, 2020) --
4:28 p.m. Update: DISL's Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network team continues to monitor the sperm whale in coastal Alabama waters.
The prognosis for the sperm whale remains poor. Since stranding initially on Thursday, November 19, the animal has moved into deeper water and restranded twice. Because of concerns for the animal's health, water conditions, and concerns for human safety, the stranding team will monitor the animal from vessels.
The stranding team urges the public to continue to keep their distance, including flying drones, as this can stress the animal.
1:30 p.m. Update: Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Marine Mammal Research Program personnel is on the scene with the stranded sperm whale near Montrose. The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network, including the network veterinarian and biologists, are tending to the animal and monitoring its condition. Unfortunately, the prognosis is poor for a large whale such as this.
The public is urged to keep their distance. With this large of an animal, it is a dangerous situation. Local and state law enforcement are on the scene to help the public maintain the proper distance.
The team also encourages that you don't fly drones in the area, because they can also create stress for the animal.
The sperm whale was first spotted Thursday, November 19, 2020. The team lost sight of the animal on Friday evening.
The ALMMSN wants to thank the public for reaching out when the animal was spotted in the area. Please report sick, dead, injured, or out of habitat marine mammals in Alabama to the Stranding Network hotline at 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343).