Dead porpoise washed up near Egmond: 'Exceptional year for stranded animals'

A deceased pilot whale was found washed ashore in the Netherlands, according to marine biologist Jeroen Hoekendijk. The cause of death remains unclear due to the advanced state of decomposition. This species is rare in the region, with only two previous sightings in the last decade. The pilot whale is the second-largest dolphin species, typically inhabiting deep seas and feeding on squid. This year has seen an unusual number of marine mammals stranded, including two live porpoises and various other species. Hoekendijk notes that the recent stormy weather may affect marine life, but the reasons for the variety of stranded species are likely coincidental.