103 whales found dead on beach
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Pilot whales are particularly prone to mass strandings.
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HOBART, Australia -- More than 100 pilot whales have been found dead on a remote beach on the west coast of Tasmania in Australia.
Tasmanian state Environment Minister Bryan Green said wildlife officers were on their way to the site south of the town of Strahan, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) west of the state capital Hobart.
He said 103 short-finned pilot whales had been dead for some time after getting stranded on the beach. They were discovered by a diver.
"This type of event is always the cause of much sadness," Green said.
Whale strandings are common in many parts of southern hemisphere. Last week 12 giant sperm whales beached themselves in New Zealand near the city of Auckland.
Scientists have not established a reason for the strandings but some have suggested pilot whales live in large herds and because of this may simply follow, or get caught trying to help, one or two herd members.
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
