Published: Sunday, May 23, 2010
Gray whale spotted near Everett Marina
EVERETT — A gray whale was spotted near the mouth of the Snohomish River on Saturday morning.
The whale was seen swimming near the Everett Marina about 9 a.m. Gray whales have been seen in the area before, said Howard Garrett of the Greenbank-based Orca Network.
Wildlife groups are hoping the animal will find its way back into the sound, but they are not optimistic.
“It’s not a good sign. It well may not make it out alive,” Garrett said.
The whale likely came to the mouth of the river looking for food.
It’s common for several gray whales to die each year as they migrate north. Stressed and unfamiliar with the area, they seek food where it’s scarce, Garrett said.
Five gray whales already were found dead in the Puget Sound and in British Columbia waters. Despite the above-average numbers, there is no cause for serious alarm, Garrett said.
The whale was seen swimming near the Everett Marina about 9 a.m. Gray whales have been seen in the area before, said Howard Garrett of the Greenbank-based Orca Network.
Wildlife groups are hoping the animal will find its way back into the sound, but they are not optimistic.
“It’s not a good sign. It well may not make it out alive,” Garrett said.
The whale likely came to the mouth of the river looking for food.
It’s common for several gray whales to die each year as they migrate north. Stressed and unfamiliar with the area, they seek food where it’s scarce, Garrett said.
Five gray whales already were found dead in the Puget Sound and in British Columbia waters. Despite the above-average numbers, there is no cause for serious alarm, Garrett said.
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