Police in Pacific Grove closed off an area near Lovers Point on Wednesday afternoon after a dead gray whale was reported near the shoreline.
The whale carcass, which appears to be a mature gray whale, was spotted shortly before 1 p.m., and wildlife and coastal agencies were notified, Pacific Grove Police Chief Casey Day said.
Lovers Point, on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, was closed temporarily, authorities said.
“Marine mammal carcasses can attract sharks, particularly larger predatory species, which is the primary concern prompting this precautionary measure,” police said in an advisory.