A stranded pilot whale calf is rescued on a beach in Florida

A pilot whale calf was found stranded this Monday on a beach in Pelican Bay, in Collier County, Florida, triggering a rescue operation to try to protect the animal.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office reported on Facebook that its deputies responded to the scene to assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in coordinating the response to such incidents involving marine life.

According to the official report, biologists and veterinarians from the FWC went to the area to assess the situation and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of the whale calf.

Local authorities noted that the agents provided logistical support while specialists assessed the condition of the animal and the circumstances surrounding the stranding.

In a message posted on social media, the sheriff's office humorously added that the agents confirmed the whale "had no plans to build an underwater city nor attempted to recruit the officers for a construction crew."

Strandings of cetaceans, such as pilot whales, can occur for various reasons, including illnesses, disorientation, changes in tides, or issues in marine ecosystems.

The authorities did not immediately specify the condition of the animal or whether it was ultimately able to be returned to the sea, while specialists continued to assess the situation at the beach.

The extreme cold front that hit Florida in February caused hundreds of sea turtles to become immobilized due to the low temperatures.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in their X profile, teams from the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, along with the Law Enforcement and Species and Habitat Conservation divisions, acted promptly to rescue the affected animals in several counties across the state.

In a true race against time, FWC teams managed to rescue a young male manatee in Bear Creek, Florida, that was showing signs of cold stress. The incident occurred in January, a month not particularly friendly to this animal species.