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Whale so rare it has been likened to unicorn spotted jumping into air off North Carolina Outer Banks
A research crew spotted a North Atlantic right whale breaching repeatedly off North Carolina’s Outer Banks on 30 October. The sighting was striking because the species is critically endangered, and one crew member likened seeing it leap from the water to seeing a unicorn.
The whale may be Calvin, a breeding female recently seen near Chesapeake Bay, though the identification is not confirmed. NOAA estimated that about 384 North Atlantic right whales remained two years ago, including around 70 known breeding females. Because the whales are difficult for ships to see, safety measures include slowing vessels in seasonal zones and keeping at least 500 yards away.
In short
- A rare right whale breached 10 to 15 times off North Carolina.
- The whale may be Calvin, a breeding female.
- About 384 North Atlantic right whales were estimated to remain.
Explained simply
North Atlantic right whales are large whales that migrate along the eastern coast of North America, where they feed and give birth. Their numbers have fallen sharply, and the species is listed as critically endangered.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) monitors the population and sets protections for the whales. A whale seen off North Carolina may be Calvin, a breeding female, but that identification has not been confirmed.
Right whales can be hard for ship crews to spot, putting them at risk of collisions. Measures include seasonal speed limits for vessels and a rule to stay at least 500 yards away.