Virginia Beach, Va. - A 200-pound beached whale was found in Sandbridge Monday morning.
The 7-foot-long Pygmy Sperm Whale was found just south of the pier, near Little Island Park.
Crews responded, and began the process of sedating it and then euthanized the female whale, according to the Stranding Response Team manager, Maggie Lynott.
They say the decision was the most humane. So far, it's not clear what was wrong with the whale but it did seem thinner than normal, according to the response team.
"You always want to make sure that you don't push it back. Pushing the animal back -- it can strand, it can drown. It can also become prey for another animal," says Lynott.
This is the second sperm whale like this to become beached this year. The Virginia Aquarium says this is on average compared to other years. A spokesperson called it unfortunate but not unusual and said there's nothing to be worried about this year.
Crews say they will take the whale's body and study it to see what they can learn from it.
NewsChannel 3 is working to gather more information. Check back on WTKR.com for updates.
