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Twenty-six whales have died after four pods washed up on the shore of a beach in Western Australia's south.
Four pods of up to 160 pilot whales, spread across 500 metres of beach, became stranded on the shoreline at Toby's Inlet near Dunsborough this morning, according to the Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Department (DBCA).
"There are 20 whales in a pod about 1.5km offshore," DBCA said in a statement.
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"Another pod of about 110 animals are together closer offshore."
A team of experienced staff including wildlife officers, marine scientists and veterinarians were on site or on their way.
The staff are working to assess the condition of the whales that are stranded on the beach and to keep other whales together and away from the beach.
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"Our team is making every effort to safely respond and keep volunteers and staff safe, while also acting in the best interests of the whales."
The mass stranding comes after at least 52 pilot whales, about half of the pod, died off Cheynes Beach in Albany last year, despite volunteers trying to usher them into deeper water.
The behaviour of the whales before they were beached puzzled experts at the time.
DBCA said based on that incident involving the same species of whale, it was likely the beached animals would need to be euthanised as the "most humane outcome".
"We always hope for the best outcome."
Earlier the WA Parks and Wildlife Department said human safety was always prioritised over animal welfare at mass stranding events.
"We know people want to help but we asked that people please do not attempt to rescue the animals without direction of DBCA staff as this may cause further injury, and distress to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort," the Department said.
Locals have reportedly rushed into the water to try and keep the whales immersed to save them.
Others have posted on social media to ask for help.
Anyone wishing to help with the event can contact the service's Busselton office.
