Marine researchers examine the 70-foot carcass of a blue whale at Hobson Beach Park north of Ventura. The whales have been migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Frances Gulland, director of veterinary science at the Marine Mammal Center, removes blubber from the whale, which may have been struck by a ship. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Onlookers hold their noses as they view the stinking carcass. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
The 70-foot carcass of a blue whale rests on the shore at Hobson Beach Park north of Ventura. The whales have been migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
The cause of the whale’s death won’t be known until scientists study tissue samples. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
A crowd gathers above the beach for a look. The blue whale is the world’s largest animal. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Authorities had been tracking the carcass for a couple of days before it came ashore. They estimated its weight at 50 tons. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
Scott Husted, 46, of Moorpark ponders the whale. Dozens of spectators have stopped to view the huge mammal. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
