A whale recently washed up on the shore of Trout River, Newfoundland and is causing a stink, literally. The whale carcass has been decomposing for some time and the smell is becoming unbearable for residents.
The large blue whale carcass is 81 feet long and is growing larger every day as internal gases build up inside its body. The carcass will eventually become so swollen and bloated that it bursts, causing the stinky gases and decomposing blubber to flow onto the shore.
The town wants to get rid of the whale carcass, but is not sure how to do it. Because of the whale’s large size, there is no way to move it. Even if there was a way, it would be very risky and could cause the whale to bust, spewing its innards everywhere.
Rotting whale carcasses are common along shores and in the past, other areas have tried to bury their whale carcasses, drag them away, haul them away with cranes and even blow them up. None of these methods were successful and the whale ended up busting or exploding in the process.
While you might think the stench and sight of a rotting whale carcass might scare tourists away, the decomposing whale has had the opposite effect on tourism. Hundreds of people have flocked to the scene to catch a glimpse and scent of the rotting whale. Some people are even getting close enough to get photos with it and touch it.
Very few people will ever see a live whale up close and many are happy to get a glimpse of one, even if it is decomposing. People are so fascinated with seeing the whale that they are traveling from miles away.
Since Trout River is not able to remove the whale from their shore, they are considering charging people to view it. Although this may not be a safe or sanitary idea, the town is hoping it will bring in some money.
Do you think the town should be allowed to charge tourists to see the whale? What do you think would be the best way to remove it?
Image via Wikimedia Commons