eBay may list some strange items from time to time, but they've been forced to draw a line in the sand after the rotting remains of a sperm whale were advertised on the site.

The sellers forum recently removed an ad for the whale that was posted by the mayor of a small town in Newfoundland, Canada.

Though the bidding had reached $2,000, it was pulled due to the site’s policy on the selling of marine animal parts. Mayor of Cape St George, Peter Fenwick, was also informed by the federal department of the environment that the sale would result in a prosecution.

The whale washed up about a week ago but the town has been told that it will receive no assistance in removing the 40-foot carcass. The noxious smell has been bothering residents ever since, though fears that the whale may explode from built-up gases seem to have passed.

Though the sale may have been axed, The Record reports that Fenwick is hopeful that the increased publicity might help to find it a home. Speaking during an interview, he said:

"If they want a free whale, we'll be glad to give it to them, provided they can make suitable arrangements to remove it from the beach and put it in a place where it's not a major annoyance to the community."

Nearby towns have had whale remains taken off their hands by museums, and the mayor hopes a similar arrangement can be made for Cape St George.

If not, Fenwick claims that the only solution might be to rent a large boat and drag it to a remote beach.