Feb 11 • 18:02 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

Strange theft in Denmark: the jawbone of a beached sperm whale was cut off and stolen

In a bizarre incident in Denmark, a part of the jawbone of a stranded sperm whale was stolen, prompting police investigations.

Danish police are investigating a peculiar theft related to a stranded sperm whale along Blåvandshuk in southwestern Jutland. The sperm whale washed ashore last Friday, drawing attention from curious onlookers due to the unusual occurrence of such a whale stranding in Denmark. As the whale lay more than a kilometer from shore, it became visible during low tide, leading many to visit the site and witness the mammal.

By Sunday, Denmark's environmental agency reported that a section of the whale's jawbone had been stolen, with local police beginning their investigation into the theft the following Monday. Police inspector Kent Brynilsen noted that the whale likely came ashore with the jawbone intact, indicating that the missing piece was taken sometime between Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The incident highlights not only a rare marine event but also raises questions regarding the preservation of marine wildlife remains in such circumstances.

This theft not only affects the local marine life investigation but also signifies a potential disregard for wildlife conservation principles. Investigators emphasize that the jawbone is crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding the whale's stranding, thus underlining the importance of protecting such specimens for scientific analysis. This unusual case combines elements of environmental conservation and criminal investigation, underscoring the complexities involved when nature and human actions collide in the public sphere.

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