SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — The massive, reeking carcass of a whale rotted Tuesday at a popular California surfing spot, luring gawkers while officials decided whether to tow it out to sea or cut it into pieces and load them on trucks.

The curious onlookers positioned themselves upwind to avoid the overpowering stench of the decomposing carcass that towered over them as they took selfies next to the animal.

The adult gray whale was about 40 feet long and weighed up to 60,000 pounds.

Cynthia Stern of Santa Monica drove 75 miles with her friend to place a pink and white orchid by the whale.

‘‘You should be paying homage to such creatures that are so intelligent and so wonderful,’’ she said. ‘‘You could start to feel the positive energy as you walked down the beach. Even though it’s a carcass, it’s profoundly positive — and anyone who went there is blessed.’’

The whale was on its side, dorsal fin pointing high into the sky and its enormous tongue so swollen that it bulged out of its mouth like a giant black balloon. Seaweed still dangled from its mouth and only a few patches of grey-black skin were left on the body.

Burial on the beach isn’t feasible because the stretch is mostly stones, officials said.

Associated Press