Baby Right Whale Injured

One of only four North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) calves spotted this breeding season was photographed with deep wounds on both sides of its head, most likely caused by propeller blades. Experts said that it is unlikely that humans can intervene to assist the wounded whale, so it will probably perish from infection. The injured calf was photographed off the Georgia coast swimming with its mother on January 8th. The S shape gashes are characteristic of propeller inflicted wounds. The coast of Georgia is a known breeding ground for wright whales. Only about 450 right whales whales survive in the North Atlantic. In the past few years whale deaths have outnumbered whale births. Every year right whales move from the warmer waters of Georgia and Florida where they give birth up the Atlantic coast to feeding grounds in the Labrador Sea. The region is subject to heavy commercial and recreational boat traffic. The baby whale's wounds are serious. One gash left a loose flap of skin that will be difficult to heal. The other gash cut its mouth and may interfere with nursing. It is estimated to be about a week old. Attempts to get near enough to help the calf would add to high stress levels already inflicted on the duo and may cause the mother to abandon her offspring. Boat strikes and entanglement are the leading cause of whale deaths.