An alarming number of gray whales have died and washed ashore along Washington beaches in recent months, but scientists say they’re not sure whether something is amiss with the animals overall.

Seventeen whales have stranded themselves so far this year — a sharp uptick from the normal range of four to eight gray whale beachings. That total includes a 39-foot whale found floating in Elliott Bay on April 14 and another that was discovered on May 5 near Everett.

Scientists say that malnourishment appears to be to blame for the high death count. But they also point to the relative health of the Eastern Pacific gray whale population. The animals could simply be reaching what’s called the “carrying capacity” for the region’s ecosystem.

“The more whales you have, the more whales that are going to die,” NOAA’s Michael Mistein told Crosscut.

In other news…

The rules surrounding backyard cottages are likely to get more permissive in coming months. A recent hearing examiner ruling paves the way for Seattle City Council to pass reform legislation that would remove an off-street parking requirement and revise owner-occupancy rules. (Curbed)

Seattle’s breakneck speed of growth is projected to slow, and that has city officials worried. Why? Nearly 9 percent of the city’s general fund came from construction-related taxes and fees last year. (The Seattle Times)

What could be better than chocolate? How about chocolate made with coffee? Joe Chocolate Co. opens in Pike Place today, and its signature bar comes with a kick. (Eater)

So many music festivals, so little time. Sasquatch may be a thing of the past, but there are plenty of other opportunities to take in some live music under the stars this summer. (The Seattle Times)

Thousands of new workers moving to town. A big influx of money. A small startup that would grow to become a major player in retail.

Nope, this isn’t the current Amazon boom. We’re talking about Seattle in 1897.

We stopped by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Pioneer Square to learn how a gold strike that occurred more than 1,500 miles away transformed Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, launched a few businesses you probably recognize, and helped to create the city we know today. Turns out, it all started with a wild marketing scheme.

But don’t take our word for it. Museum curator Tarin Erickson has the full story in our video.

QUOTABLE: “We always get asked if we have Klondike bars for sale — which we do not, sadly.” —Tarin

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And yes, they will teach you how to pan for gold.

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE

🌇 It was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi, and we’re going to explore it tonight, with A Night in Seattle’s First Skyscraper. We’re all sold out, but for those who got tickets, we’re excited to see you there! (Pioneer Square)

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First there was the shoes-wearing baby giraffe. Then we got word that Woodland Park Zoo welcomed two penguin chicks this spring.

And now? Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma announced a whole new litter of red wolf pups. Red wolves are critically endangered, and zoo biologists say their birth is an important step in the species’ recovery.

Keep it cute out there, Seattle. We’ll see you tomorrow.

— The Evergrey