Wrangell Sentinel -

PETERSBURG, Alaska (AP) – Scientists are investigating the death of an orca whale found on the shore of Kupreanof Island north of Petersburg.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration responded to the sighting on Friday. Fisheries Spokeswoman Julie Speegle said a team of marine mammal experts went to the area to secure the killer whale and take samples, KFSK-FM reported.

“We are going forward with plans to do a necropsy in the next few days,’’ she said, noting that the cause of death was unknown and that people should keep a safe distance away from the mammal.

Greg Lutton...