Concerns increase over crowds viewing orcas in South Sound
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Neighbors and whale experts are becoming concerned about the number of people trying to get a close look at the orcas that have wandered into Eld Inlet recently.The Tacoma News Tribune reports that boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders are flocking to see the orcas, but they're also crowding them.Kim Merriman, who lives on the inlet, says up to 20 boats or kayaks are out there at a time and when they get close to the whales, they sometimes separate the pod or trap them.Howard Garrett with Orca Network says people should follow the guidelines at bewhalewise.org when they see orcas.
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Neighbors and whale experts are becoming concerned about the number of people trying to get a close look at the orcas that have wandered into Eld Inlet recently.The Tacoma News Tribune reports that boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders are flocking to see the orcas, but they're also crowding them.Kim Merriman, who lives on the inlet, says up to 20 boats or kayaks are out there at a time and when they get close to the whales, they sometimes separate the pod or trap them.Howard Garrett with Orca Network says people should follow the guidelines at bewhalewise.org when they see orcas.
Dead endangered orca died of blunt trauma, likely struck
SEATTLE (AP) — Officials in Canada say an endangered Puget Sound orca found off the coast of British Columbia died of blunt trauma to its head and dorsal side.The initial necropsy from Fisheries and Oceans Canada shows the 18-year-old male killer whale was alive at the time he was hit.Paul Cottrell, a marine mammal coordinator with the agency, said Friday that the 22-foot long whale was likely struck, though it's unclear whether it was by a boat or another animal.
SEATTLE (AP) — Officials in Canada say an endangered Puget Sound orca found off the coast of British Columbia died of blunt trauma to its head and dorsal side.The initial necropsy from Fisheries and Oceans Canada shows the 18-year-old male killer whale was alive at the time he was hit.Paul Cottrell, a marine mammal coordinator with the agency, said Friday that the 22-foot long whale was likely struck, though it's unclear whether it was by a boat or another animal.
‘It’s an end of an era’: Nearly 100-year-old orca missing, researchers believe 'Granny' has died
SEATTLE -- The iconic killer whale known to many as 'Granny' is missing and presumed dead; she is believed to be nearly 100 years old.It’s been a tough year for the endangered Southern Resident killer whales in Puget Sound.“Her passing is, of course, a loss,” said Scott West, executive director of Orca Relief Citizens’ Alliance. “She was the oldest known orca in existence.”
SEATTLE -- The iconic killer whale known to many as 'Granny' is missing and presumed dead; she is believed to be nearly 100 years old.It’s been a tough year for the endangered Southern Resident killer whales in Puget Sound.“Her passing is, of course, a loss,” said Scott West, executive director of Orca Relief Citizens’ Alliance. “She was the oldest known orca in existence.”
Bad breath: Study find array of bacteria when orcas exhale
SEATTLE — When the mighty orca breaks to the surface and exhales, the whale sprays an array of bacteria and fungi in its his breath, scientists said, some good, and some bad such as salmonella.The findings in a new study raises concerns about the potential role of infectious diseases as another major stress factor for the struggling population of endangered Puget Sound orcas.Those orcas' breath samples revealed microbes capable of causing diseases.
SEATTLE — When the mighty orca breaks to the surface and exhales, the whale sprays an array of bacteria and fungi in its his breath, scientists said, some good, and some bad such as salmonella.The findings in a new study raises concerns about the potential role of infectious diseases as another major stress factor for the struggling population of endangered Puget Sound orcas.Those orcas' breath samples revealed microbes capable of causing diseases.
NOAA report: Orcas still struggling, 3 primary factors to blame
SEATTLE -- They are icons of the Northwest, but a decade-long study shows the orcas in the Puget Sound are still in trouble.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its research report Wednesday.
SEATTLE -- They are icons of the Northwest, but a decade-long study shows the orcas in the Puget Sound are still in trouble.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its research report Wednesday.
Orcas make early spring appearance in South Sound
SEATTLE -- Susan Berta of Orca Network reported on its Facebook page that K Pod had shown up in the Puget Sound Monday and were in the Narrows, past the Tacoma Narrows Bridge at about 4 p.m. Monday.
SEATTLE -- Susan Berta of Orca Network reported on its Facebook page that K Pod had shown up in the Puget Sound Monday and were in the Narrows, past the Tacoma Narrows Bridge at about 4 p.m. Monday.