A juvenile humpback, estimated to be about 2 years old, was discovered at a beach in Neskowin on Nov. 4.

The whale was examined by Carrie Newell, an Oregon marine biologist and owner of Whale Research Eco Excursions, who said the young whale likely died of starvation as it appeared extremely malnourished.

The whale was approximately 28 feet long with an 8½-foot tail fluke. Fluke tails on adult humpback whale can reach a span of 12 feet, which means the young humpback was likely around 2 when it died, according to Newell.

While Newell was deeply saddened by the loss of the whale, she took the opportunity to teach others about a sea creature people don't typically get to see up close.

Newell told the Statesman Journal there were three organisms found living on the whale, including acorn

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