False killer whale stranding reported near Bremer Bay in southern WA with four believed to have diedBy Samantha Goerling and Rosemary MurphyABC Great SouthernTopic:Marine Biology1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 1:12amFalse killer whales in Bremer Canyon in 2023. (Supplied: Sara Hysong-Shimazu)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 already died, and the remaining three are likely 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 on their way to the state's southern coast following reports that seven false killer whales have been stranded.A spokesperson for Parks and Wildlife said it was believed they had stranded on House Beach, about 12 kilometres east of Bremer Bay and 540km south of Perth.It is believed the whales became stranded on Monday afternoon. The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) confirmed four of the whales had died overnight, while three were still alive on the beach.Bremer Bay is known for whale spotting. (ABC Great Southern: Andrew Chounding)Remaining whales to be euthanased A spokesperson for the DBCA said staff were on the scene assessing the situation and would determine the most appropriate and humane course of action, likely to be euthanasia.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 1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 1:12amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals deputy leader 'shattered' she will likely lose Senate seatLIVEPhoto shows Perin Davey listens to a press conference by Water Minister Tanya Plibersek at Parliament HouseGreens' Adam Bandt in danger as seat of Melbourne remains on knife's edgeTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A composite photo of a brunette woman, brown haired man with glasses, blonde woman with glasses and dark haired man.Solar uptake a clue to why Australians chose batteries over nuclearTopic:Energy PolicyPhoto shows Electricians place solar panels on roofSurviving lunch guest describes fatal mushroom meal to courtLIVEPhoto shows A digital drawing of Erin Patterson wearing a pink shirtThe timeline prosecutors allege in the mushroom murder trialTopic:ExplainerPhoto shows A woman standing in front of her car.Related 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 StoriesNationals deputy leader 'shattered' she will likely lose Senate seatTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Perin Davey listens to a press conference by Water Minister Tanya Plibersek at Parliament HouseGreens' Adam Bandt in danger as seat of Melbourne remains on knife's edgeTopic:ElectionsSolar uptake a clue to why Australians chose batteries over nuclearTopic:Energy PolicySurviving lunch guest describes fatal mushroom meal to courtTopic:Law, Crime and JusticeThe timeline prosecutors allege in the mushroom murder trialTopic:ExplainerJust InWhy the head of one of the world's best orchestras still worries about scalesTopic:Classical Music20m ago20 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 2:02amFormer AFLW All Australian says 2025 season opener honours traditionTopic:AFL Women’s25m ago25 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 1:58am'This game's not going to go our way': NBA star crashes social game in MelbourneTopic:Basketball39m ago39 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 1:44amNew top cop Mike Bush to make significant changes to Victoria PoliceTopic:Police5m ago5 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 2:17amMore Just InBack to top