Young Humpback Whale Washes Up Dead in Port of Wilmington

A young humpback whale was found dead early Friday in a berth at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware.

The whale, 25 to 30 feet long and weighing about 37,000 pounds, was found entangled in fishing gear, according to marine life officials.

The cause of death was not immediately known but officials with the Lewes-based Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute were working to remove the animal from the port to examine it.

Officials said the whale could have died before getting entangled or could have died from being entangled.

Suzanne Thurman, executive director of MERR Institute said whales have been sighted in the Delaware river before.

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