Sperm whale stranded near Devonport in Tasmania's north-west
Parks and Wildlife officers are responding to a large sperm whale stranded in shallow waters at Turners Beach.
A large sperm whale is stranded in shallow waters off Turners Beach, west of Devonport in Tasmania's north-west. Authorities, including rangers and park service personnel, are present and cautioning members of the public to stay away due to potential shark risks. The whale's distressing presence has drawn an estimated 100 residents who are watching from the shore.
Stranded whales were reported to the marine mammal hotline by a concerned citizen late on Wednesday, prompting a response from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Experts from the Marine Conservation Program and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service are on site to evaluate the situation and decide on appropriate actions.
Whales, being powerful creatures, warrant respect for both human safety and animal welfare. Public interference with the whale is strictly prohibited to maintain these safety standards, as it is an offense to disrupt wildlife.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
