DOC warning after beached whale's beak chopped off

The whale's beak was sawn off with a chainsaw. Photo / DOC

A gray's beaked whale has washed up on a South Island beach, with its beak sawn off.

The 5m whale, which was found on a Greymouth beach, had its beak removed with a chainsaw about Saturday, the Department of Conservation says.

It is an offence to take a whalebone or any part of a marine mammal without a permit.

The whale's beak was sawn off with a chainsaw. Photo / DOC

DOC ranger Glen Newton also warned rotting whales could carry diseases that contaminated skin and clothing.

"It is important not to touch dead whales and it is recommended to stay at least 5m away, and avoid walking in any sand and water that might be contaminated," Newton said.

- NZN