Dozens of whales dead off South Florida coast

HOG KEY, Fla. – Dozens of whales have been found dead off the coast of South Florida in Everglades National Park.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that, as of Monday afternoon, 81 false killer whales are confirmed dead among a group of 95 that stranded themselves over the weekend.

Thirteen whales are unaccounted for, while one was seen alive.

The group beached themselves off Hog Key in the western edge of the Everglades.

NOAA claims that this is the largest beaching of this species in the history of the state. Forty false killer whales beached themselves in 1989 in Cedar Key.

False killer whales are members of the dolphin family and reach lengths up to 20 feet.

NOAA has asked the public to stay away from the area and to keep boats a safe distance away.