The discovery has been documented
General image of the beach at Westward Ho!(Image: Abigail Neep)
A dead marine animal has washed up on a beach in North Devon.
The coastguard were alerted to reports of the carcass on Westward Ho! beach on Monday, November 24.
The animal was located by Bideford Coastguard crews, who documented and photographed the discovery.
Crews did not publicly identify the animal further beyond saying it was a “marine mammal”.
The cause of the animal’s death is not known, but the remains have been recorded should further examination or an autopsy be required.
The animal has since been removed from the beach. Images have not been made public at this time.
Bideford Coastguard Rescue Team said: “The team was paged to reports of a deceased marine mammal on Westward Ho! Beach.
“The marine mammal was located and documented, with photographs and details recorded for the Natural History Museum in line with established protocol, should the animal be required for further examination or autopsy.
“All findings were passed to MRCC Falmouth, and the incident was handed over to the local authority for safe removal.”
The Coastguard has been contacted for further information. If you see an injured, stranded, or dead marine animal along the coast or at the beach, you should not approach or touch it.
Animal carcasses should be reported to the Marine Stranding Network.