The cause of death of a porpoise that was found at Talacre is still unknown.

The harbour porpoise, which is the most commonly sighted species in North Wales, was found washed up and in a poor condition on Talacre beach this week.

Photos have circulated on social media of the sea creature from Monday (March 21), causing speculation as to how it died.

The sea creatures are traditionally known as 'puffing pigs' due to the chuffing noises they make at the surface.

The carcass was reported to Gem Simmons a marine biologist, marine mammal medic and also director of North Wales Seal Research Organisation (NWSRO), and Matthew Westfield, Strandings Co-ordinator who works as part of the Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme (CSIP).

The CSIP is funded for by the Welsh Government and DEFRA.

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Matthew explained: “The Porpoise at Talacre was first reported to us Saturday afternoon. It is very young with it being only around a meter long. Due to it’s size we believe that it most likely had still been with it’s mother until recently. The porpoise was already showing signs of scavenger damage around one of it’s eyes and above one of the pectoral fins. Due to this we was unable to collect it as part of the project, so we are unable to say why it died.

“Porpoises are common around the Welsh and UK coastline, with them being one of the most commonly reported animals to us. Each animal that gets reported to us enables us to better understand what is happening with the population in UK waters. We ask that anyone that comes across any stranded cetacean, seal, large bodied shark or marine turtle they call the strandings line on 0800 652 0333 as soon as possible so that we can try and collect the animal for further investigation.”

Harbour porpoises are the smallest species in Wales and live up to around 20 years old. They are protected and investigations take place when necessary.

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Gem added: “We would not want to attribute the injuries to one particular cause without appropriate investigation but the damage is likely a cumulation of decomposition, predation and scavenger damage.

“MEM document strandings and retrieve some individual bodies for post mortem when appropriate to do so. This helps conservation by providing an accurate picture of species found in UK waters, showing the local and seasonal distribution and highlighting the threats that they face. Harbour porpoise are one of the most common species reported to us in North Wales. It is an offence in the UK to remove or keep any part of a cetacean and they also carry transferable diseases so the public are advised to stay well away and keep dogs away to avoid disease transfer.

"If you find a living animal stranded please call British Divers Marine Life Rescue immediately on 01825 765 546 and deceased animals should reported to the MEM hotline on 0800 6520 333 or at www.strandings.com.”