Beluga spotted in Halifax Harbour sparks safety concerns
Digital Reporter
Saturday, May 30, 2015, 11:26 AM - Recent sightings of a beluga whale in the Halifax Harbour have prompted warnings to locals from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Officials are asking people to stay away from the white whale, and to contact the Marine Animal Response Society if they see it in the waters around Halifax.
The bulbous-headed cetacean was first spotted by fisherman Jamie Osborne on Monday evening near Eastern Passage. He captured video of the beluga swimming by his boat.
Other sightings have been reported throughout the week, the latest on Friday morning.
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Photo of #beluga whale in question, taken earlier this week in Eastern Passage, NS. #Halifax pic.twitter.com/YDOLNDHB4k
— DFO Maritimes (@DFO_MAR) May 29, 2015
Seeing the creature so close to shore has wildlife officials worried for its safety.
"It's a potentially dangerous situation for the animal and the public," Marine Animal Response Society co-ordinator Tonya Wimmer told the CBC.
The whale is most likely part of an endangered population that live in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay River Fjord during the summer months.
"Every now and then they have juveniles who go for a wander," Wimmer said. "Occasionally they end up in harbours."
CAUTION #Beluga whale spotted in #Halifax Harbour. Go slow. Do not approach—you could put yourself or mammal at risk. pic.twitter.com/pDi9AnTmtE
— DFO Maritimes (@DFO_MAR) May 29, 2015
Source: CBC
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