A juvenile gray whale that had drawn attention after swimming 20 miles up a Washington state river was later found dead in the Willapa River near Raymond.

Researchers suspect the whale may have been driven inland in search of food due to declining prey availability linked to broader population challenges.

The eastern Pacific gray whale population has been affected in recent years by reduced food sources in Arctic feeding grounds, leading to malnutrition and higher mortality.

Officials noted the species has experienced a decline, with many whales appearing thin during their long migration between Mexico and Alaska, ABC News has reported.

The whale’s death will be examined by researchers as part of ongoing efforts to understand the species’ health and population trends.