<p>Around 230 pilot whales were found stranded on the rugged west coast of Tasmania Wednesday, with Australian officials saying only half appeared to be alive.</p>.<p>"A pod of approximately 230 whales has stranded near Macquarie Harbour," said the state's Department of Natural Resources and Environment.</p>.<p>"It appears about half of the animals are alive."</p>.<p><strong>Read — <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/young-cold-blooded-animals-most-vulnerable-to-climate-change-finds-research-1146674.html" target="_blank">Young cold-blooded animals most vulnerable to climate change, finds research</a></strong></p>.<p>Aerial images showed a devastating scene of dozens of black glossy mammals strewn along a stretch of beach where the frigid southern ocean meets the sand.</p>.<p>Almost two years ago to the day, the area was the scene of another mass stranding involving almost 500 pilot whales. Just over 100 survived.</p>.<p>The causes of mass strandings are still not fully understood.</p>.<p>Scientists have suggested they could be caused by pods going off track after feeding too close to shore.</p>.<p>Pilot whales are highly sociable and can follow podmates who stray into danger.</p>.<p>Officials said marine conservation experts and staff with whale rescue gear were en route to the scene.</p>
<p>Around 230 pilot whales were found stranded on the rugged west coast of Tasmania Wednesday, with Australian officials saying only half appeared to be alive.</p>.<p>"A pod of approximately 230 whales has stranded near Macquarie Harbour," said the state's Department of Natural Resources and Environment.</p>.<p>"It appears about half of the animals are alive."</p>.<p><strong>Read — <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/young-cold-blooded-animals-most-vulnerable-to-climate-change-finds-research-1146674.html" target="_blank">Young cold-blooded animals most vulnerable to climate change, finds research</a></strong></p>.<p>Aerial images showed a devastating scene of dozens of black glossy mammals strewn along a stretch of beach where the frigid southern ocean meets the sand.</p>.<p>Almost two years ago to the day, the area was the scene of another mass stranding involving almost 500 pilot whales. Just over 100 survived.</p>.<p>The causes of mass strandings are still not fully understood.</p>.<p>Scientists have suggested they could be caused by pods going off track after feeding too close to shore.</p>.<p>Pilot whales are highly sociable and can follow podmates who stray into danger.</p>.<p>Officials said marine conservation experts and staff with whale rescue gear were en route to the scene.</p>