Storm uncovers humpback whale skeleton at Brigantine

BRIGANTINE - The March nor'easters uncovered the 20-foot skeletal remains of a humpback whale on Brigantine beach.

Eric Matuzsan, who lives in the island community, made the find while driving on the beach Thursday and recognized the remains, which can be seen in the above video.

"I remember when it washed up about 10 years ago. There was a lot of excitement, people came out to watch, and then the city buried it," said Matuzsan.

Related: NJ weather: Again? Nor'easter possible next week

Matuzsan said the tides from the nor'easter removed about a foot of sand from the beach, leaving the skeleton visible.

The whale bones are about 20 yards from the water.

Robert Schoelkopf, founder and executive director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, responded to the whale stranding almost a decade ago. The whale had washed up deceased.

"Almost every winter the erosion exposes the skeleton and the city comes and buries it again," said Schoelkopf. "Then people come, sit on the beach all summer on top of it."

Watch Schoelkopf talk about whales at the Jersey Shore in the Asbury Park Press documentary below.

Dan Radel: Twitter@danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com