People trekked across the mudflats to see the whale, which Noaa biologists and staff from Alaska veterinary pathology services had anchored to the shore on Sunday so they would be able to gather samples from the animal. But even after samples are analyzed, it can be difficult to determine a cause of death because of decomposition or a lack of obvious injuries, Keogh said.<\/p>\n
Daisy Grandlinard was among the parents who accompanied a group of children to see the whale Monday. As they drew closer, they could smell it, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really interesting for the kids to be able to feel it, touch the bottom because it kind of had tracks on it, like a sled almost. And just to see the size of it, that was pretty cool,\u201d she said. \u201cWe had already studied whales a couple of weeks ago, so it was fun to see one in person and say, \u2018Oh, that\u2019s what the baleen looks like in real life,\u2019 and \u2018Where is the blowhole?\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n
Biologists hoped to complete their work on Tuesday, untether the carcass \u201cand let the tide push it or move it\u201d, Mahoney said. \u201cWhatever it does or doesn\u2019t do \u2013 we don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n