Scientists do not always know why whales beach themselves, but they think this one died at sea and then washed ashore.
And while it is a rarity to find a dead humpback on the beach, it was definitely a source of curiosity for beachgoers after it washed ashore this weekend.
Marks along the creature's tail could indicate the humpback was entangled at some point.
And while a necropsy could not be performed because of the decomposition of the carcass, scientists took skin and blubber samples in hopes of getting more information.
Humpback whales are not permanent residents of Monterey Bay.
They come from Central America to feed.
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