Why do beached whales explode?

Quck answer

When whales get stranded on a beach, their internal gases begin to build up, causing their bodies to bloat. If not disposed of properly, the pressure from the gases can cause the whale to explode, sending debris and a foul smell everywhere. The decomposition process and the release of gases, such as methane, can also be dangerous to people and other animals nearby. In order to prevent this, experts recommend removing the whale’s body as soon as possible and disposing of it properly, either by burial or by towing it back out to sea.

Wild Animals

In some coastal towns, disposing of a beached whale is not as easy as returning it to the ocean. There is a risk that the whale could explode. Beached whales are known to explode due to the build-up of gases, particularly methane, in their stomach and organs after they die. When the skin of the whale begins to disintegrate, the gas seeps out, causing the whale to deflate. However, in some cases, the skin of the whale is tough enough to keep stretching until it reaches breaking point. It is important to stay away from dead whales as poking and prodding the methane-filled whale can cause it to explode prematurely. Humans also produce methane and other gases after death, but the only explosion risk comes from a tightly sealed casket that does not allow for circulation.

More Information

Author’s Note: What makes a beached whale explode?

Falling into a decomposing whale is even more disturbing than an exploding whale. One scientist warns that playing too close to a dead whale might result in a chest-deep swim through liquefied innards, which would require rescue.

Related Articles

• What happens to whales when they die?
• Why are orca called killer whales?
• How Whales Work
• How Baleen Whales Work
• How Narwhals Work

Sources

• Arnold, Carrie. “Why does a decomposing whale explode?” National Geographic. May 2, 2014. (June 25, 2014) http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/05/02/animals-science-world-exploding-whale-blue/
• Associated Press. “Canadian town fears blue whale bursting.” The Guardian. April 30, 2014. (June 24, 2014) http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/apr/30/canadian-town-fears-blue-whale-bursting
• Berko, Lex. “Why caskets occasionally explode.” Vice. June 14, 2013. (June 25, 2014) http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/why-caskets-occasionally-explode
• Narula, Svati Kirsten. “A brief history of exploding whales.” The Atlantic. April 30, 2014. (June 25, 2013) http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/04/exploding-whales/361444/
• Schonfeld, Zach. “Yes, beached whales really do explode.” Newsweek. April 30, 20014. (June 25, 2014) http://www.newsweek.com/yes-beached-whales-really-do-explode-249223

FAQ

1. What is a beached whale?

A beached whale is a whale that has become stranded on a beach or in shallow waters, unable to swim back out to sea. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as illness, injury, disorientation, or tidal changes.

2. Why do beached whales explode?

Beached whales can sometimes explode due to the buildup of gases inside their bodies. When a whale dies, bacteria in its digestive system begin to break down its tissues, producing gas as a byproduct. If the gas is not able to escape, it can build up pressure until the whale’s body ruptures, causing an explosion.

3. Is it dangerous to be near a beached whale that might explode?

Yes, it can be very dangerous to be near a beached whale that might explode. The force of the explosion can send debris flying, potentially injuring or even killing anyone nearby. In addition, the gases released during the explosion can be toxic.

4. Can beached whales be saved?

In some cases, beached whales can be saved if they are discovered early enough and given the proper medical care. However, this is often difficult, as beached whales are usually already in a state of distress by the time they are found. In addition, moving a beached whale back into the water can be a risky and complicated process.

5. How do scientists study beached whales?

Scientists study beached whales in order to learn more about their behavior, biology, and health. They may collect tissue samples, study the whale’s anatomy, or track its movement patterns. In addition, scientists can use beached whales as a way to monitor the health of the ocean ecosystem as a whole.

6. What is the largest beached whale ever recorded?

The largest beached whale ever recorded was a blue whale that washed ashore in 1918 in the town of Florence, Oregon. It measured 100 feet long and weighed around 200 tons.

7. Do all beached whales explode?

No, not all beached whales explode. Whether or not a whale explodes depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the whale, the amount of gas buildup, and the conditions under which it dies.

8. How do people dispose of beached whale carcasses?

Disposing of beached whale carcasses can be a difficult and expensive process. Depending on the location and size of the whale, it may be buried on the beach or towed out to sea. In some cases, the whale may be cut up and the meat sold or used for scientific research.

9. What is the impact of beached whales on the environment?

Beached whales can have a significant impact on the environment, both in terms of their physical presence and the ecological role they play. When a whale dies, its body provides nutrients and food for scavengers and decomposers, which in turn can affect the local ecosystem.

10. How can we prevent whales from beaching themselves?

Preventing whales from beaching themselves is a complex issue with no easy solution. Some suggestions include better monitoring of whale populations, reducing ocean pollution and noise levels, and avoiding areas where whales are known to be present. However, the underlying causes of whale beachings are not fully understood and may involve a combination of factors.