Several Gray Whales Make 'Unseasonably Early' Appearance In the Bay

"Last year saw a large number of gray whale deaths around the Bay Area, prompting concern that there could be another large die-off event on the horizon like one that occurred between 2019 and 2023. But nearly half of these deaths, at least locally, are caused by vessel strikes, which is why marine biologists are trying to keep track of the whales' behavior and where they tend to gather in and around the Bay."

"That was followed by two other whale sightings in other locations in the Bay during the month of January, and on Monday, Keener tells SFGate he spotted the same whale from mid-January identified by a unique mottling pattern on its back along with a second whale. And he now believes that both whales have likely been hanging around in the Bay the entire time, several weeks or more."

"Experts believe that the whales have been adapting to changing conditions in their habitats, and in the amount of available food where they usually migrate to in Alaskan waters. Some gray whales who have become familiar with the Bay may remember it as a place to feed, and word has gotten out, so to speak, to other whales in the process."

A few gray whales have arrived early in San Francisco Bay, possibly because of changes in their northern feeding grounds and reduced food availability. Last year saw a large number of gray whale deaths around the Bay Area, raising concern about potential repeat die-offs; locally, nearly half of those deaths were caused by vessel strikes. Marine biologists are tracking whale behavior and congregation areas to reduce collisions. Field researchers have photographed and identified at least two whales that have likely been in the Bay for weeks. Some gray whales may remember the Bay as a feeding or resting stop and may be altering migration timing due to hunger.

Read at sfist.com