How to Report a Stranding

Dead Strandings

When you report a stranding, please try to provide the following information:

• Date found
• Location (grid reference if possible)
• Photographs of the carcase
• Species or description (see species guide)
• Overall length (estimation)
• Condition of the animal
• Your contact details

To report a stranding:

Phone/text: 07979 245893 or 01463 243030

or Email: strandings@sruc.ac.uk

Animals that are in a relatively fresh condition may be sampled or collected for necropsy.

If you are unsure about the species and condition of the carcase; don't worry, we can usually extract most of this information from photographs. Perpendicular shots of the body (along with something for scale), close up shots of the head and mouth, close up shots of the genital region (to potentially allow sex determination), as well as close ups of any marks, cuts, and lesions are particularly useful.

If you have reported a stranding in the past, you can find your reported stranding in the database.

Depending on the condition and location of the carcass, pathologists may collect the carcass for necropsy or arrange for samples to be taken for analysis. They can also provide advice and assistance on how to manage removal and disposal of the carcass.