A rare whale carcass that washed ashore of Russian Beach in Stratford and then went missing has been found.

The Yale Peabody Museum says the dead whale was found this week on the same beach where it first washed up in December.

Town officials say the dead whale went missing from the beach on Dec. 30.

Officials had feared someone removed the animal, but now they say it appears it was taken out by the tide and washed ashore again.

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The deceased whale is 8 feet long. Officials have been unable to determine its age.

Officials say it is very rare to see pygmy sperm whales, especially in the Long Island Sound.

The museum says it will use the bones of the animal for research and make them available to scientists visiting from around the world. The bones will also possibly be used in courses at Yale University and various public programs.