June 7, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 13 . . Day Later, Whale Found Dead In Jersey FROM PAGE 12 whale was reportedly able to return to the ocean when the tide came in, only to beach itself again on Sunday morning along the south New Jersey coast. It was reportedly dead when it washed ashore in Wildwood Crest, N.J. During his initial contact with the whale, Chris Battersby had observed several identifying marks including white sores on the animal’s left side. “I was able to tell them that it was the same animal, those were the same sores,” he said. “So, unfortunately it was the same animal and, from what I understand, unfortunately it did not survive.” Fatalities are, sadly, common with beaching, according to Assateague Park Ranger Rachelle Daigneault. In most cases, if an animal runs ashore like the pilot whale this weekend, it is because the creature is already in bad shape and suffering from some sort of illness or injured. “When one of these marine mammals strands itself, if it’s an individual, the reason that it is stranding itself is because it is in trouble,” said Daigneault. “It is either sick or injured. And, as a result, our own protocol here is that we do not interact with the animal at that point.” In those cases, the rangers contact the National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team. Jenifer Ditmar, the leader of that group, agreed with Daigneault that interacting with a whale before a trained team can show up is not a good idea. “Being on land is stressful for the animal and they never really see humans, so having this weird being around you trying to push you back in is strange for them,” she said. “But it can be very dangerous for people as well.” Male pilot whales can grow to 25 feet and weigh up to three tons, with females topping out at 16 feet and about half of that weight. “There’s also a concern about disease transmission. Dolphins and whales are mammals and humans are mammals so there is a chance,” she said, “that if the animal is sick it could transfer a disease to humans and vice versa.” If any member of the public encounters a beached whale or dolphin, Ditmar advised contacting the nearest park rangers or dialing 911. The National Aquarium would then be forwarded the call and Ditmar’s team would be on the beach, fully equipped, in usually about an hour. Stranded whales and dolphins are not unusual for Maryland’s coast with Ditmar estimating that six to eight live, beached animals are encountered every year. However, pilot whales are a much rarer sight and one hasn’t been spotted for at least five or six years. Jump For Joy It’s June! ALL NEW & JUST FOR YOU! O Early Birds h !! $5.00 OFF ALL ENTREES All Day ‘til 5 p.m. • Dine In Only • Excluding Specials BIG BITE Delights! ALL DAY & NIGHT Monday & Tuesday OUTBREAK FRIDAY & SUNDAY JUNE 7 & 8 THE ROADDUCKS SUNDAY & MONDAY JUNE 9 & 10 ALL ENTREES $19.00 • Excluding All Lobster Tail Dishes OPEN EVERY DAY AT 10 A.M. BETWEEN CAROLINE AND TALBOT STREETS ON THE BOARDWALK 410-289-6953 FIND US ON FACEBOOK APPAREL SHOP • LOTTERY • KENO Wednesday & Sunday LOBSTER LUNACY $19.00 • 1 Lb. Steamed Lobster Includes Mashers, Corn On The Cob & Housemade Slaw WALK OF SHAME TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY JUNE 11 & 12 DIRT 90’S TRIBUTE THURSDAY, JUNE 13 • Lobster Pot Pie • Shanty Classic Lobster Newburg • Lavishing Lump Crab & Lobster • Lobster Thermidor Thursday DRAFT BEER SPECIALS: $1.50 MONDAY PURPLE HAZE TUESDAY BUD LIGHT WEDNESDAY ROLLING ROCK TRIBUTE LINE-UP STUFFED FLOUNDER $19.00 DIRT “90’S TRIBUTE” JUNE 20 IDOL KINGS “JOURNEY & MELLENCAMP TRIBUTE” JULY 11 COWBOY “KID ROCK TRIBUTE” JULY 25 TOYS IN THE ATTIC “AEROSMITH TRIBUTE” AUGUST 15 54 OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. FENWICK ISLAND 302-436-2305 www.Twiningsshanty.com JUDAS PRIESTESS “JUDAS PRIEST TRIBUTE” JUNE 27 HIGH VOLTAGE “AC/DC TRIBUTE” JULY 18 APPLE SCRUFFS “BEATLES TRIBUTE” AUGUST 8 CROSSROADS “BON JOVI TRIBUTE” AUGUST 29 COME SEE THE SHANTY’S TURTLES!