Rare whale carcass is a scientific treasure trove

Rare whale carcass is a scientific treasure trove

Carcasses of two rare Ziphius cavirostris, or goose-beaked whales, were discovered June 5 on two Southeast Alaska beaches, one near Yakutat and the other near Sitka at Fred’s Creek cabin on Kruzof Island. The remains of the whale found near Yakutat were gone before researchers could reach the site. The one found by campers at Fred’s Creek was a pregnant female, and its discovery launched a scientific study. Under the guidance of the National Oce…