Pacific Northwest What killed a sperm whale that washed ashore on the Oregon coast – and why is it still there? Updated: Jun. 01, 2025, 6:34 p.m. | Published: Jun. 01, 2025, 4:56 p.m.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An animal welfare check at an Oregon Coast safari park earlier this month uncovered drugs, guns, and millions in cash — plus hundreds of neglected animals.

It may not be as good as saving the whole tree, but it appears likely the state will try to save at least a part of the beloved Sitka spruce fondly dubbed by locals as the Yaquina Bay Muscle Tree.

Officials think they know what killed a massive sperm whale that washed ashore about 12 miles north of Seaside on the Oregon coast. According to a press release from the Seaside Aquarium, the dead ...