Endangered Puget Sound killer whale found dead
(AP)—The Center for Whale Research in Washington state says an endangered Puget Sound orca has been found dead in British Columbia.
Center scientist Ken Balcomb says the 18-year-old female whale was likely pregnant and her death could be related to pregnancy issues.
He says she was a member of the J-pod, one of three families of a unique population of southern resident killer whales that spend time in the inland waters of Washington state and Canada.
A necropsy to be led by Canadian authorities will determine the cause of death.
Balcomb says the death is a blow to the population, which now stands at 77 animals.
An orca born in early September was recently presumed dead. Two additional whales were confirmed missing and presumed dead this year.
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