A huge, 65ft long dead whale has been found washed up on a beach.
Experts do not know how it died.
But it is thought it had been dead for at least two weeks before coming ashore.
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The fin whale was discovered on rocks.
Members of the public have been advised to keep away from the carcass.
It was found on Ballinclamper Beach, north east of Cork, Ireland.
Local councillor Thomas Phelan – who found it – said: “A dead whale has washed ashore on the rocks between Ballinclamper and Ballinard car parks.
“It is apparently a fin whale about 20 metres long.
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“Relevant organisations including Waterford City and County Council have been notified.
“Members of the public, especially dog walkers, are urged to keep away from the whale.”
He told What’s The Jam: “There’s stormy weather expected this weekend, which could potentially see the whale washed back out to sea.
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“But at about 65ft long it’ll be hard to move.
“It is very sad to see such a magnificent creature in this condition.”
An Irish Whale and Dolphin group spokesperson said: “We estimate that this whale is likely to have been dead perhaps one to two weeks before coming ashore.
“The pending storm Eowyn later this week may take the carcass back out to sea, but if it remains, and if deemed necessary, the responsibility for its disposal will rest with Waterford County Council.
“The council is aware of the animal, although according to our volunteers, access is very difficult for machinery to attempt to bury it.
Due to the ‘significant level of decomposition’ the cause of the whale’s death cannot be determined, but people and pets are being urged to keep their distance.
One local Audrey said: “So sad to see this magnificent creature washed up dead on our shoreline whatever caused it.”
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