Warning signs were posted off Waianae Coast beaches Wednesday after a whale carcass drifted to shore in Nanakuli and sharks were seen feeding on the decomposing animal.

A 25-foot section of a sperm whale came ashore in a rocky area near Nanakuli Beach Park at about 2 p.m., the Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a news release.

High surf and strong currents hampered efforts to remove the carcass. DLNR officers anticipate that the carcass will continue to move down the beach, where it may be in a better position to be brought to shore and removed.

Lifeguards posted warning signs and are telling people to stay out of the water, said Shayne Enright, a spokeswoman for the Ocean Safety Division.

The whale carcass was first spotted about a mile off of Maili Point at about 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is also monitoring the situation.