KALALOCH — A juvenile gray whale was still alive at noon today after it washed up on a remote beach Wednesday at Kalaloch on Clallam County’s West End, Olympic National Park acting spokeswoman Penny Wagner said.
The whale was beached on a section of Olympic National Park south of La Push.
“It’s alive, it’s alert and breathing,” Wagner said.
The whale was unable to free itself from the beach during high tides Wednesday and Thursday.
“It’s in poor condition,” Wagner said.
“It’s been giving a strong effort.
“The concern is not to have people going to that area to create a more stressful situation for the animal.”
Marine Mammal Stranding Network members were on duty at the site, keeping the estimated 2-year-old whale wet and urging passersby to stay clear of the animal.
Park and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials were waiting for another high tide to help the animal make its way back to Pacific Ocean waters.
“The place is not at the campground,” Wagner said.“It’s not very easily accessible.”
Wagner said she is working with officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to get more information on the beached animal.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
