COASTGUARDS are warning people not to get too close to the carcass of a 15-foot whale which washed up on Ynyslas beach on Christmas Day.

The whale, thought to be a Minke whale, was found washed up on the beach south of the Dyfi Estuary by people enjoying a Christmas Day stroll.

After poor weather hampered initial efforts to remove the whale, coastguards have said that Ceredigion County Council will work alongside government official, the Receiver of Wreck, and Natural Resources Wales, to remove the large cetacean.

The coastguard anticipated there would be interest in the whale and have warned people not to touch the large mammal because of its threat to people’s health.

A coastguard spokesperson said: “If you’re tempted to go and take a closer look at the carcass of an eight-metre whale which has washed up on a beach in Wales, we have one message for you: please don’t.

“The whale which is on the Dyfi Ynyslas National Nature Reserve, Ceredigion, is very decomposed and may pose a health hazard to anyone that touches it.

“A biohazard marker has been put up to warn members of the public about getting too close.

“Weather conditions have hampered efforts to remove the whale over the weekend and discussions are continuing between the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Natural Resources Wales to arrange its safe removal as quickly as possible.”

The coastguard also confirmed that experts will take samples, perhaps even removing the lower jaw, to perform an autopsy and determine the cause of death.

Although Minke whales are most abundant in the North Atlantic Ocean such as Scotland, New England, Canada and Iceland, there have been sightings off the coast of Pembrokeshire in recent years.

Reports of stranded whales or dolphins should be made to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333.A Natural Resources Wales spokesperson said: “The remains of what is thought to be a Minke whale first appeared on the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, Ynyslas on Christmas day.“Although it is very sad to see what would have been such a splendid creature now dead, it is fascinating for us to see such a large animal. "Scientists have taken measurements and a sample of the whale for analysis.“As Ynyslas has many visitors, Natural Resources Wales are working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and contractors to remove the remains as soon as weather conditions allow it.“If you do go to see the whale before it is removed, please remember that the animal is a potential biohazard – so do not touch and make sure you stand a few meters away.”