The Whale Museum’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network reports that there have been an unusually large number of harbor porpoise strandings since May 2.

Amy Traxler, Coordinator of the Network, said that six carcasses have washed up on Lopez and San Juan since that time, with a total of nine carcasses since April 1.

“It’s common to have a few porpoises wash up in the springtime, but numbers like this in such a short time are very unusual.  Unfortunately, the eagles and vultures have been beating us to these carcasses so we’ve only been able to collect two for a necropsy.”

She requests that if you come across a carcass to contact the Stranding Network as soon as possible.  It would also be very helpful if you could cover the carcass with something – a tarp, an old towel, even a pile of driftwood .

“The best way to find out what’s going on is through a necropsy so helping to preserve the carcass until a responder can get there is very important.”

To report a stranding, call  800-562-8832.

For more info about the network, visit www.whalemuseum.org/programs/mmsn.html.