Nearly 100 pilot whales who died were likely “disorientated” when they beached themselves at a Western Australian beach earlier this week.

Marine scientist from Macquarie University, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, says the whales’ behaviour the day prior might give insight into why they beach themselves.

“I think they’re so disorientated because of something, that these animals, even when helped, they turn around the wrong way and they go back to the beach,” she told Ross and Russel.

Press PLAY to hear an expert share theories over whale mass-stranding event

Image: Nine News.