Decomposed Carcass Found Harstine Island

Last weekend Judy & I snuck out for a morning paddle on the north shore of Harstine Island. We were on the hunt for the location of the remains of the Bryde’s Whale that recently washed up on the north end of Harstine Island. I wanted to see this baleen type whale up close as it has twin blow-holes and is very rare in our waters. See our previous Brydes Whale blog. The rain washed our salty paddle clothing as we rounded the bend and headed east from Jarrell Cove. We had the place to ourselves. A local out for morning exercise in his inflatable kayak, told us the Bryde’s whale was here out front of his place a few days ago, AND stunk very badly!! He mentioned the scientists towed it to a less populated beach – he suspects to Squaxin Island where the tribe manages the Island as a reserve, for shellfish harvesting, and is unpopulated.

We didn’t find the Bryde’s but instead came across a young deer carcass right at the tide line, partially decayed. It looks as if marine mammals have feasted on its torso, and fur is still visible on the young deers legs. Survival of the fittest I guess. This young deer stunk very badly. I can only imagine if we had run into the Bryde’s whale how badly its odor would have been. If you know the location of the Bryde’s, let us know.