Why do beached whales explode

Perhaps even more disturbing than an exploding whale is falling into a decomposing whale. One scientist warned that playing too close to a dead whale might result in a chest-deep swim through liquefied innards, which would require rescue [source: Narula ]. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots.

Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Wild Animals. Aquatic Mammals. What makes beached whales explode? A beached finback whale drew attention on Herring Cove Beach in Massachusetts in Related Articles What happens to whales when they die? When a dead whale becomes beached, decomposition starts almost instantly. The whale's body gasses start to bloat the carcass, and the heat of the sunlight only aggravates this horrifying process.

As the expansion of gasses takes place in the dead whale's body, the only obstacle between it and the outside world becomes the skin of the whale, and the skin will give at some point. Beachgoers are always urged to keep away from, and not touch, a dead beached whale. This is due to the fact that when the gaseous pressure inside the whale accumulates to risky levels, it can have 'explosive' effects. Even the slightest prod can disrupt the delicate obstacle between those trapped gasses and the individual, and if it explodes close to you, it can lead to devastating or fatal injuries.

Has a beached whale ever been saved? It may seem like it doesn't make sense, but when you find out why, it all adds up. Here's what we know about it and how people may actually be to blame. According to National Geographic , after a whale dies, it's organs — stomach contents and everything — begin to decompose.

This causes gases to build up and get trapped inside the body. Even though the insides start decomposing, the outside stays intact for a while because a whale's skin and blubber are thick and tough. Because of this, the body begins to expand. Eventually, those trapped gases have to go somewhere. Typically, the whale's body will deflate. The article further states that when they explode, it's usually because there's some human interference.

People will try to take a souvenir from the body or crews working in the water will try to move them out of the way. All of this can cause the gases to move around in a way they normally wouldn't and cause the explosion.