Rescuers have been on the lookout for a beluga whale entangled in what might be a tire liner, after it disappeared in an Alaska inlet. On October 1, a whale had been spotted in the Cook Inlet entangled in debris. Since then the whale was last seen the following day and is currently nowhere to be found.
In a news release posted on October 24, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, stated the whale had been spotted twice in what appeared to have been a culvert line, tire innertube or flap.
The beluga, believed to be at least seven years of age, was first photographed in 2021.
Experts from NOAA have determined the object stuck on the whale is “potentially life threatening.”
The first step in helping has been taken by 30 volunteers who have been keeping a close watch for any signs of the whale.
Since that time, the response team has been canceled, however biologists have continued the search. If spotted, they will assess whether a safe response is possible. The colder weather and changing conditions may pose dangers to rescue personnel. The beluga’s last location had been in an area with large tidal waves, muddy conditions and strong currents.
Sadly, this is what happens when debris is thrown into the oceans – our beautiful wildlife are the ultimate victims of man’s carelessness.
If you see an entangled whale, call NOAA’s 24/7 hotline at 877.925.7773.
(Photo Credit: Via screengrab by Drew Lenz, 61 North Environmental) (Second photo credit of whale screengrab by Alex Herlant)
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