Beached pygmy whale on Indian Shores beach euthanized, Florida

© FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Wildlife officials had to euthanized an ill whale that was beached Tuesday morning on Indian Shores beach.

Wildlife officials had to euthanized an ill whale that was beached Tuesday morning on Indian Shores beach.

The 6½-foot-long Kogia pygmy sperm whale had several small shark bites, but the reason for its condition was unknown, said Kelly Richmond, a spokeswoman with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Richmond said the female whale was lethargic and thin for its size.

A necropsy was planned.

The FWC received a call about the whale at 7:51 a.m. and biologists were dispatched by 8:30 a.m. to assess the animal's condition, Richmond said.

Onlookers on the beach gathered to observe as marine experts from the commission and Clearwater Marine Aquarium tended to the whale for about two hours.

It was later determined the animal could not be saved.