When you're wandering down the beach, maybe you'll find some pretty rocks or shells. Occasionally, we might find a washed up treasure or the body of a small sea creature.
Usually, we don't just stumble upon a giant carcass rotting away in the sand.
When you're wandering down the beach, maybe you'll find some pretty rocks or shells. Occasionally, we might find a washed up treasure or the body of a small sea creature.
Usually, we don't just stumble upon a giant carcass rotting away in the sand.
I'm going to assume that the beaches of Canada aren't a popular place in December, which is how something that size went unnoticed for so long.
That, or he discovered a giant squid and should be famous for it.
Commenters also noted that he should call the authorities to report it.
Or maybe animal control.
It's not just about getting the rotting mess off the beach ASAP, either.
Besides giving them a chance to get a good look at the animal's anatomy, its cause of death can also be helpful data in environmental research.
That part is easy to tell, due to the giant striped sack section of the remains.
Eventually, someone with more whale experience looked at the pectoral and determined that it is a humpback whale.
Small silver lining, I suppose.
It does mean that commenters telling bcams to look for ambergris were barking up the wrong tree.
Apparently, ambergris is prized because it can help perfume scents "stick" to human skin longer.
Knowing that a "solid, waxy" substance from a sperm whale's digestive system is good for that makes me grateful that synthetic options are now available for perfume manufacturers.
I know I wouldn't be willing to sift through what even seagulls deemed too gross to eat, but if that's your jam, all the more power to you.
h/t: Reddit | bcams