Cape Hatteras National Seashore : “Humpback Whale Skull Found in NC”

On the picturesque shores of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, a remarkable discovery was made on Wednesday as a substantial portion of a humpback whale’s skull appeared on the sandy beaches of Cape Hatteras.

Sharing the intriguing find on their official Facebook page, Cape Hatteras National Seashore described this as just the latest in a series of captivating discoveries along the coastline.

The distinctive features of the whale skull, identified as belonging to a humpback whale, are integral to its unique feeding behaviours, as explained by the Seashore, which is part of the National Park Service.

Unlike human skulls, humpback whale skulls exhibit a remarkable level of flexibility, particularly around the jaw joints, enabling them to open their mouths wide to ingest large quantities of water and prey. Additionally, their mandibles (lower jaws) are not fused to their skulls, enhancing their feeding capabilities.

Curiosity arises as to how such a significant partial whale skull ended up on the beach.

According to the Seashore, the dynamic movements of marine animals seeking their next meal often bring them close to the Cape’s beaches, where the southern Gulf Stream and the northern Labrador Current converge off the coast.

Marine experts have observed a pattern of frequent strandings within the boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore due to the proximity of the barrier island chains to the continental shelf. Whether residents of the Outer Banks or visitors, individuals who encounter marine life or skeletal remains on the beach are encouraged to report their findings by calling 252-216-6892.