Oregon’s Exploding Whale: Remembering the 1970 Blubber Blast

A decades-old attempt to dispose of a beached whale using dynamite near Florence, Oregon, resulted in a messy and memorable spectacle on November 12, 1970.

The 45-foot sperm whale initially washed ashore on November 9, 1970, quickly becoming what one reporter described as “a stinking whale of a problem.” State transportation crews decided to use approximately half a ton of dynamite to disintegrate the carcass. The plan, however, backfired spectacularly.

Instead of disintegration, the explosion sent chunks of blubber raining down along the Oregon coastline. As whale strandings are a natural, though sometimes concerning, phenomenon, current protocol generally involves allowing carcasses to decompose naturally, supporting the coastal ecosystem. “It might be concluded that should a whale ever was ashore in Lane County again, those in charge will not only remember what to do,” a reporter noted at the time, “they’ll certainly remember what not to do.”

The incident has become a local legend and a cautionary tale in wildlife management, influencing modern approaches to dealing with marine mammal carcasses, as detailed in the Oregon Encyclopedia. Officials now prioritize methods that minimize environmental impact and public safety.

The state continues to monitor coastal areas for stranded marine life and will implement appropriate disposal methods when necessary, learning from the events of yesterday.