Stranded dwarf minke whale showed signs of hearing damage

A dwarf minke whale that stranded on Texel last week showed indications of hearing damage, according to De Texelse Courant. The animal was found dead and examined by experts.

Hearing damage is more common in cetaceans and can be caused by, for example, underwater noise or infections. According to the newspaper, it is still unclear what the cause was in this case. Research must show whether the hearing problem was related to the stranding.

Dwarf minke whales are small baleen whales that also occur in the North Sea. Strandings of this species are rare, but not unknown in the Netherlands.

This report is a summary based on the mentioned source and is not medical advice. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist in case of complaints.