Biologists in Massachusetts are trying to figure out how a rarely-seen whale washed up on a Plymouth beach.

A 17-foot beaked whale was found Friday on Jones beach.

Not much is known about the species because these whales typically live several hundred miles out at sea and in waters up to 5,000 feet deep.

3 PHOTOS Rare whale seen on Mass. beach See Gallery Rarely seen whale washes up on Mass. beach Image: ​Mary Kate McHugh DiLoreto Image: Mary Kate McHugh DiLoreto Image courtesy: New England Aquarium Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE

Biologists at the New England Aquarium say this kind of whale is so rare that they haven't handled one since 2006.

The woman who discovered the whale posted on Facebook, "We were amazed to learn that one of the rarest species washed ashore. It is a beaked whale not commonly found in this area. We were told members of the aquarium were heading down to bring it back to study it. Very cool!"

Biologists are pretty excited too! The recent find will give them a chance to learn more about the species.

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