Mongaguá: Juvenile humpback whale found dead on beach

A juvenile male humpback whale was found dead on the beach in central Mongaguá, on the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The carcass was discovered by local fishermen around 7:20 a.m. on Saturday.

Due to an advanced state of decomposition, the exact weight and length of the animal have not yet been officially confirmed. Teams from the Instituto Biopesca, the Environmental Guard (GEPAM), and municipal maintenance services were mobilized to the site. A necropsy was conducted to investigate the cause of death, though high tides initially delayed the procedure for safety reasons.

Authorities have issued warnings to the public to maintain distance from the carcass. Biologists noted that decomposing marine mammals pose health risks due to the release of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as toxic gases that can cause nausea. Once the technical analysis is complete, the municipality will transport the carcass to a licensed landfill.