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Stinky whale carcass in Malibu may be towed to sea

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Authorities will attempt to remove a 40-foot whale carcass rotting under cliff-top homes in Malibu today, officials said Thursday.

The whale, believed to be a male fin, washed ashore on Monday, said Olivia Damavandi, a spokeswoman for the city of Malibu. Wildlife experts believe it may have been struck by a boat.

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The whale is beached at Little Dume, a small beach between Point Dume State Beach and Paradise Cove. The closest homes are on top of the cliff above the beach.

The whale washed up largely intact but has since begun to decompose. Some young gawkers have posted Internet photos of the whale’s innards splashing in the surf, and the smell of the carcass is growing increasingly severe.

“It’s not pleasant,” Damavandi said.

According to the city, it was unclear which agency was going to take responsibility for the removal. But county and state beach and parks officials are putting together a plan to remove the carcass, Damavandi said, and are expected to make their first attempt later today. Authorities have discussed attempting to tow the whale out to sea during high tide.

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