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Why whale remains have been found in Michigan several times
By Dane Kelly at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News
· June 29, 2026
· 4 min read
The remains of whales have been found in Michigan. It’s not a hoax. It’s not a joke. And I’m not talking about the Basilosaurus that lived here 37 million years ago.Much more recently. Not the ancient ancestors of whales, but species that are still around in the oceans today. They just happened t...
Key takeaway And I’m not talking about the Basilosaurus that lived here 37 million years ago.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The discovery of whale remains in Michigan is a fascinating reminder of the state's complex geological history. For Detroiters, this story has particular relevance given the city's proximity to the Great Lakes and its own history of transformation from a natural harbor to a thriving metropolis. The fact that whales could once travel inland through a massive freshwater highway highlights the dramatic changes that have shaped Michigan's landscape over thousands of years. As residents of a city that has undergone significant revitalization efforts, Detroiters can appreciate the idea that their state's natural environment has also undergone profound transformations. The presence of whale remains in various counties, including those nearby like Lenawee and Genesee, serves as a tangible connection to this rich history, inviting locals to explore and learn more about the region's unique heritage. This story encourages Detroiters to think about their city's place within the broader context of Michigan's natural and geological history.
About this story
Original reporting by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The remains of whales have been found in Michigan. It’s not a hoax. It’s not a joke. And I’m not talking about the Basilosaurus that lived here 37 million years ago.Much more recently. Not the ancient ancestors of whales, but species that are still around in the oceans today. They just happened t...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dane Kelly at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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