Authorities work to save false killer whales stranded near Bremer BayBy Samantha Goerling and Rosemary MurphyABC Great SouthernTopic:Marine Biology5h ago5 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 1:12amAuthorities are trying to save three stranded false killer whales after four others died. (Supplied)In short:Seven false killer whales have been reported as stranded near Bremer Bay on WA's southern coast.Four of them are believed to have died and the remaining three may have to be euthanased.What's next?The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions is assessing the scene.abc.net.au/news/false-killer-whales-found-stranded-bremer-bay-southern-wa/105257640Link copiedShareShare articleWest Australian wildlife authorities are attempting to save several whales stranded on a remote beach in the state's south.A spokesperson for Parks and Wildlife said seven false killer whales were stranded on House Beach, about 12 kilometres east of Bremer Bay.It is believed the whales became stranded on Monday afternoon.The whales were found at House Beach near Bremer Bay. (Supplied)The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) confirmed four of the whales had died overnight and that three were still alive on the beach.There are 13 Parks and Wildlife officers working to help the animals.Rescue attempt underwayA spokesperson for the DBCA said staff were on the scene assessing the situation and would determine the most appropriate and humane course of action.They said it was possible some animals may be euthanased, but staff were attempting to refloat three whales.Drones are monitoring for any other whales in the area.A shark warning has also been issued for the area.False killer whales have been involved in recent mass strandings. In February, 157 whales became stranded on a beach near Arthur River in Tasmania's far north west.In July 2023, there was a mass pilot whale stranding at Cheynes Beach, 184km west of Bremer Bay. And in April 2024, there was a mass pilot whale stranding at Dunsborough in WA's South West region.The southern coast is known for whale migration with many tourists flocking to the area to watch the ocean mammals.Marine biologist Pia Markovic said false killer whale strandings were not as common as other whale species."We had a mass stranding in Tasmania of about 150. Most of those had to be euthanased," she said.Marine biologist Piak Markovic says the whales may have followed a sick leader to the beach. (ABC News: Jon Kerr)Ms Markovic said the seven might be a sub-pod, as false killer whales often lived in groups in the hundreds."One of the leaders, usually a female as they're a matriarchal society, may have gotten a bit sick … because their social structures are so well bonded, the rest may have followed her," she said.Ms Markovic said the species could grow up to 6 metres in length and weigh 1.5 tonnes."Their name comes from their skeleton or skull structure, which is similar to killer whales," she said.ABC Great Southern — local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each ThursdayYour information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 5h ago5 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 1:12am, updated 1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 4:29amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesDying lunch guest's 'extremely abnormal' blood test results raised hospital alarm, court hearsLIVEPhoto shows A digital drawing of Erin Patterson wearing a pink shirtNationals deputy leader 'shattered' she will likely lose Senate seatLIVEPhoto shows Perin Davey listens to a press conference by Water Minister Tanya Plibersek at Parliament HouseWhat's causing an unprecedented and deadly disease outbreak in Queensland?Topic:Infectious DiseasesPhoto shows A middle-aged man wearing a grey singlet and beige cap sits in his backyard.Could Labor's thumping election win put tax reform back on the agenda?Topic:TaxPhoto shows A man sitting on a stage wearing a suit and tie.Liberal preferences may help elect Climate 200-backed independent who vows to end gasTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Kate Hulett and her supporters at an election night functionRelated storiesWhales euthanised after becoming stranded again, despite desperate attempts to save themTopic:WhalesPhoto shows A man holds the fin of a beached whaleMore than 20 whales dead, 100 others move offshore in WA's south in mass stranding eventTopic:Animal BehaviourPhoto shows A line of beached whales stretches up a beach with people in the shallow water.Related topicsAlbanyAnimal BehaviourAnimalsBremer BayMarine BiologyTop StoriesDying lunch guest's 'extremely abnormal' blood test results raised hospital alarm, court hearsTopic:Law, Crime and JusticePhoto shows A digital drawing of Erin Patterson wearing a pink shirtNationals deputy leader 'shattered' she will likely lose Senate seatTopic:ElectionsWhat's causing an unprecedented and deadly disease outbreak in Queensland?Topic:Infectious DiseasesCould Labor's thumping election win put tax reform back on the agenda?Topic:TaxLiberal preferences may help elect Climate 200-backed independent who vows to end gasTopic:ElectionsJust InOne of music's biggest stars announces first Australian showTopic:Arts, Culture and Entertainment56m ago56 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 5:27amTrump's film tariffs throws Gold Coast vision into doubt, industry saysTopic:Film Industry58m ago58 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 5:25amHuni 'comfortable being me' ahead of momentous opportunityTopic:Boxing1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 5:24amTeenagers clocked going 120kph on e-bike but no charges laidTopic:Electric Vehicles2m ago2 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 6:21amMore Just InBack to top