Crews remove dead whale along popular surf spot at San Onofre State Beach

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KABC) -- State park officials and crews worked to remove a 30-ton female gray whale that washed ashore at a popular surfing spot along San Onofre State Beach Thursday morning.

The whale washed up along the beach Sunday afternoon, causing a bit of a problem for surfers in Lower Trestles. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said the 40-foot adult whale may have died before washing up onshore.

Scientists in the area took samples of the whale to determine the cause of death earlier this week. They believe it died of natural causes.

According to state park officials, the removal process could take about two days because it will be done on land.

Spectators in the area were asked to keep a safe distance as the gases accumulated inside the whale, which could cause the carcass to explode.