Whales, Wildlife and What We Throw Out

A gray whale that died after stranding on a West Seattle beach had a large amount of trash in its stomach, ranging from a pair of sweatpants to a golf ball, said biologists who examined the animal.

Scientists with the Cascadia Research Collective said the examination did not immediately determine why the 37-foot near-adult male died, but it was found to be in better nutritional condition than other gray whales that died recently. Starvation was not considered a major contributor to its death.

In a news release, the research organization said the animal found Thursday had more than 50 gallons of material in its stomach. Most was algae, typical of the bottom-feeding whales, but "a surprising amount of human debris" also was found.

Besides the pants and golf ball, the trash included more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, surgical gloves, plastic pieces and duct tape.

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