Dead Alaskan whales were found in Kodiak and Unimak Pass. At least nine reported Alaska Whale deaths occured at the same place, South of Afognak Island, since May.

The worst part is the reason for the death of these endangered species is still unknown. According to Kate Wynne, a professor from University of Alaska Fairbanks and at the same time a marine mammal specialist, this event is uncommon and perplexing.

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It appears that the Alaska whale deaths happened all at the same time. What made it even more strange was they were all fin whales — except for the humpback whale, which was found dead in a different location.

There may be regular Alaska whale deaths reported, but not for the fin whales. Researchers confirmed that they see no more than one whale, from this kind, die every couple of years, according to News 24.

Fin whales are considered the second largest whale species. They normally feed on other species in large groups, such as minke and humpback whales.  

Wynen, who's assigned to investigate this event with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said that the predation of killer whales (their only non-human predators) have been ruled out. Scientists now reckon that the Alaska whale deaths had something to do with what they ate.

There were no signs of injuries found on the whales and their blubber layers were healthy, The Nation learned. 

These whales feed on small schools of fish using their baleen palates, which filters the animals inside as the whales push the water outside their mouths. Studies suggest that they might have ingested toxins or biotoxins while feeding.

Alaska Sea Grant and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist are still looking for more Alaska whale deaths. They have also examined the water samples for any proof of a possible dangerous algae bloom. 

Recent updates reveal that the water in the area is free of biotoxins. However, it might not reflect the water condition when the deaths happened a month ago, according to the email sent by Wynne to The Huffington Post. 

The investigation on the Alaska whale deaths is still ongoing. Scientists are still waiting for the arrival of the new carcass because the previous ones have already decomposed.

TagsAlaska Whale Deaths, whales, endangered species, Animals