A whale that has washed up in Seaside, Oregon is offering locals and visitors a not-too-pleasant encounter.

Typically, the rare experience of seeing a whale is an exciting event. However, one whale that has washed up in Seaside, Oregon is offering locals and visitors a slightly less pleasant encounter.

The whale is deceased and deteriorating. There’s no way to get around it, the sight is rather depressing and according to some people, the smell is far worse.

The male grey whale is 40 feet long and a local marine biologist says he’s been dead for several months. There are no evident signs that point to an attack or altercation so most likely the creature passed away of natural causes, but it’s not known for sure.

The general manager of the Seaside Aquarium Keith Chandler was the first to point out the horrible smell. Chandler and his team have already examined the whale and they are reportedly working with city officials to find a place and develop a plan to bury him.

Just prior to his burial, locals were urged not to touch the whale, but curiosity seemed to get the best of them. Right after he beached, about a hundred people showed up to poke, gather around him and pose for pictures with the giant deceased whale.