The Department of Land and Natural Resources towed a 25-foot section of a sperm whale carcass that was attracting sharks out to sea this afternoon.

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

High surf and strong currents hampered efforts to remove the carcass on Wednesday.

This morning the carcass, weighing several tons, was about 200 yards offshore of Kalanianaole Beach Park, formerly known as Nanakuli Beach Park.

A state DLNR boat arrived on scene at about noon and towed the carcass several miles out to sea.

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

The signs will remain up until the end of the day today.