By Lauren Fliearman
Special to the Homer Independent Press


On Jan. 28, a local family walking on the beach near the Anchor Point lighthouse discovered a dead Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) washed ashore (Figure 1). Cook Inlet belugas are a critically endangered genetically isolated population from the rest of the Alaska stocks, and their survival is linked to the health of the Cook Inlet ecosystem. Belugas are a recognizable species from their pure white color as an adult (grey if calf/subadult) and their melon heads associated with echolocation, their primary way of finding food. 

“It was a heartbreaking experience for my children and myself.” said Melanie Reynolds, the proud mother to her daughter Cyla and son Wyllow. “Cyla spotted the calf first. We were so sad for the little whale, but grateful we got to see one.” 

Figure 1. Discovered stranded beluga along Anchor Point. (Photo © Melanie Reynolds)

They knew that this loss was very significant. Wyllow and Cyla gave great respect to the beluga by bringing over some seaweed so it would not starve. They hugged the beluga and drew a heart in the sand out of love. From their initial observations, there was no definitive answer to what might have caused this whale’s death. Luckily, Melanie knew to call the Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline (877-925-7773) and got connected with Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services (AVPS), the only veterinary anatomic pathology service in Alaska. 

AVPS offers diagnostics and research-based pathology for wildlife and domestic animals, with experience in a variety of marine mammals, including belugas. AVPS agreed to respond to the beluga and keep them updated on its progress. AVPS prepared to conduct a full necropsy to determine how this individual died.

The response began before the necropsy took place. The night before, AVPS interns made their first trip to the site to secure the carcass, tying it off to ensure it would not get washed away with high tide. By the next morning, AVPS biologist and Semester By the Bay (SBB) students from the Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Campus returned to the scene and prepared for a long day of work (Figure 2). Conducting a necropsy is not a simple task, and the weather did not help as it was very cold, and the carcass was near completely frozen. Over the course of eight hours, body measurements were taken and around 100 tissue samples (e.g., liver, kidney, blubber, intestine, heart, eye) were carefully preserved and brought back to Anchorage for further testing and archive.

Figure 2. Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services and Semester By the Bay students respond to the stranded beluga whale. (Photo © Dr. Deborah Tobin, Kachemak Bay Campus, Kenai Peninsula College)

Early observations offered some clues, but there are currently no definitive answers on the cause of death. There were no puncture wounds or visible signs of trauma. The animal’s length and notably small  teeth indicate this is a younger individual (3-9 years old), and the exact age will be determined by examination of the tooth growth layers. Finally, skin lesions (damaged regions on an organ from injury or disease) were present, bringing into question if these lesions played a role in this beluga’s death. 


“It was a great experience to assist with this necropsy, especially on such a rare species” stated Shawna Jackson, the UAA-KPC-KBC Lab Technician. “I am interested in seeing what may have caused this stranding, especially due to the seemingly good body condition of the individual and location.” As the results are being analyzed, the beluga was brought back to Homer and buried for future skeletal articulation. 

Cook Inlet belugas continue to be threatened by various human activities, including habitat degradation, noise pollution, vessel traffic and reduced prey availability. As of 2008, Cook Inlet belugas remain protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, with approximately 300 belugas remaining. Public reporting plays a critical role in conservation and wildlife research. Strandings — alive or deceased — provide scientists with valuable information about the health of the species. 

If you come across a deceased or threatened marine mammal, avoid contact or adding more stress to the individual and call the Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 877-925-7773. When reporting, provide the location of the animal as specifically as possible, when it was discovered, number of individuals, and photos when safe and appropriate. In cases like these, public awareness and action is a key component of wildlife protection. Timely reports help scientists and responders better understand threats facing local wildlife, especially endangered species like our Cook Inlet belugas, and support ongoing conservation efforts.