Researchers and marine-life experts continue today to examine the carcass of a dead whale that had reportedly washed ashore at Smith Point County Park early yesterday morning.

According to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, the creature is believed to be a male fin whale, approximately 40-50 feet in length. Today, researchers say they will continue to observe the mysterious mammal to determine a cause of death. Samples of the carcass will be collected for a series of tests, while officials state the remainder of the body will be buried at an undetermined location along the beach.

According to the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, a non-profit research and education group, fin whales are the second largest species of whale and can reach lengths of over 80 ft. and weights over 160,000 lbs. CRESLI was created in 1996 by a group of marine mammal science experts at Dowling College to promote an understanding and stewardship of coastal ecosystems. For more on the fin whale, visit the Coastal Research of Education Society of Long Island online.