Several pilot whales have washed up on a WA beach during a mass beaching on Tuesday afternoon.
A large pack of whales was spotted around 150 metres off Cheynes Beach on Tuesday with the whales beaching themselves a short time later.
In an interview with Today, parks and wildlife services regional manager Peter Hartley said rescue teams have been working around the clock to get the surviving whales back in the water.
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“The report this morning has been that 36 pilot whales have died overnight,” he said.
“We’re focusing on the 50-odd whales that are still alive today and (will) make every attempt possible to return them to the water.”
A shark alert has since been issued for Cheynes Beach as a result of the mass stranding.
According to Shark Smart, the deceased whales could potentially attract predators.
“It is possible dead and injured animals will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast,” they said.
“While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution.”
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