Humpback whale that swam into Pillar Point Harbor appears to be lost

(KRON) — A humpback whale that was spotted in Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay Thursday afternoon appears to have gotten lost, according to officials. According to the Marine Mammal Center, which got a call about the whale late Thursday afternoon, the whale likely made a wrong turn and entered the harbor.

Marine wildlife officials said there is nothing to be concerned about as the young whale appears to be moving freely. It’s common to see humpback whales along the coast of California this time of year. Often, they are looking for food, officials said.

However, officials said that as of Friday morning, the whale was still in the harbor.

Sue Pemberton of the California Academy of Sciences advised people boating or paddling in the harbor to give the whale a wide berth and avoid trying to herd it out of the harbor.

“The whale is stressed out enough and doing so will make a bad situation worse,” Pemberton cautioned. “Typically, trying to herd whales out of small spaces isn’t successful, so the plan at this time is to let the whale find its own way out.”

Whales are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This particular stock of humpbacks, according to Pemberton, is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

“I know most humans are compassionate and want to help this animal but the best thing is to let it work this out on its own and ask folks trying to approach it to please give it a wide berth — at least 100 yards,” Pemberton said. “If you are motoring through the harbor, please go slow as you come and go.”

“This whale and I thank you for your cooperation,” she added.

The California Academy of Sciences, Marine Mammal Center and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are all monitoring the situation closely, officials said.

​(KRON) — A humpback whale that was spotted in Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay Thursday afternoon appears to have gotten lost, according to officials. According to the Marine Mammal Center, which got a call about the whale late Thursday afternoon, the whale likely made a wrong turn and entered the harbor. Marine wildlife […]