Four sperm whales stranded in Denmark
Four sperm whales have stranded between Skallingen Peninsula and Fanø Island in southern Denmark, raising concerns of more whales becoming stranded as many remain in the area.
Four sperm whales have stranded in southern Denmark, specifically between Skallingen Peninsula and Fanø Island, with numerous other sperm whales reported to be in the vicinity. This situation has sparked alarm among local authorities, as the presence of more whales may lead to further stranding incidents. Environmental Minister Magnus Heunicke has advised the public to stay away from the whales to prevent stress on the animals and to facilitate rescue operations.
The sperm whale, a large toothed whale, can reach an average length of 16 meters and weigh several tons. As of Friday night, it was unclear how many of the stranded whales were still alive. Reports indicate that two whales are visible, while two others are hidden under water and ice, leading to uncertainty about their condition. The head of the Danish Environmental Agency, Jane Hansen, noted the challenges in assessing the situation and the difficulty in getting closer to the hidden animals to determine if they are alive or dead.
Efforts are being made by authorities to monitor the situation using drones to assess the health of the stranded whales. The occurrence of multiple whale strandings is concerning, and as the situation develops, local officials are working diligently to ensure the safety of both the whales and the public, while also emphasizing the importance of adhering to guidelines issued by authorities in such cases.