Rare whale found dead off Massachusetts may have been entangled, authorities say

By PATRICK WHITTLE
Associated Press

Federal authorities say a rare whale found dead off Massachusetts shows potential evidence of injury from entanglement in fishing gear, which is one of the most pressing threats to the species. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it was notified about the dead female North Atlantic right whale on Sunday on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The right whale numbers less than 360 and is vulnerable to entanglement in gear and collisions with large ships. NOAA says early observations show the presence of rope entangled near the whale’s tale.