Danish authorities plan to remove the carcass of a humpback whale known as “Timmy” from waters off the island of Anholt to carry out a post-mortem examination.

Axar.az reports that the Danish Environmental Protection Agency said the whale is lying in shallow water on a popular beach and could cause disruption to bathers and local residents.

Officials had initially said there were no plans to move the carcass, but changed their position after it attracted public attention, with some people approaching it and even posing on it, sparking outrage online.

Authorities said the recovery will allow scientists to conduct a necropsy and collect samples for research. Danish researchers and veterinarians will handle the operation in coordination with German institutions.

The agency also urged the public to keep their distance due to possible infection risks.

The whale had previously stranded multiple times along the Baltic coast and was later transported to the North Sea, where it eventually washed up dead near Anholt.