A decomposing whale carcass generates gases which build up inside their stomach and large internal organs.
This then causes them to expand, but whale skin and blubber are tough so the gases become trapped inside, according to National Geographic.
This tends to happen in the huge throat pouch, which is usually filled with seawater so whales can filter it to find food.
And it is often exacerbated by heat from the sun.
But, this part of the body can handle significant amounts of pressure, so it is relatively uncommon for them to explode on their own.
However, people interfering with the body, such as climbing on it, trying to take a souvenir from it, or attempting to move it, can cause it to explode.
And when the skin rips, the gas, coupled with the whale's insides, will be unleashed - sometimes at very high speeds.
The smell of a decomposing whale is said to be one of the worst smells in the world.
