Lost Beluga Whale Spotted In Central Puget Sound

SEATTLE — Whale lovers are sounding the alarm after a beluga whale was spotted in Puget Sound this weekend.

"While exciting, there is great concern for this Beluga who is far from home, and being a social animal concern they are alone and away from their pod," writes Orca Network, a whale awareness non-profit organization.

Orca Network has also shared footage of the whale, captured by whale watcher Jason Rogers, showing the first sighting of the whale Sunday in Commencement Bay near Tacoma:

According to the network, the beluga was next spotted Monday in Seattle's Elliott Bay, and then again Tuesday around Point Defiance in Pierce County.

Beluga whales — sometimes called white whales because of their color, or the sea canaries because of their high-pitched chirps — are typically found in arctic or sub-arctic waters. The species as a whole is not considered endangered, but the subpopulation from the Cook Inlet in Alaska is, and it is protected by the Endangered Species Act.

Because it's not known which population this beluga belongs with, researchers are asking everyone to tread lightly around the animal. For the public, that means being alert out on the water, keeping clear of the beluga if it is seen, and reporting any sightings to help researchers as they track its movements.

Washington law requires boats keep at least 100 yards away from whales in the Sound, but Orca Network asks boaters give the beluga even more space, if possible. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recently made a similar request, asking boaters to give extra space to pregnant Southern Resident killer whales.

Under the WDFW's "Be Whale Wise" regulations, vessels have to stay at least 300 yards away on either side of killer whales, and 400 yards away in front or behind the orcas. Boats also have to cut their speed to 7 knots within a half mile of the Southern Residents — and similar precautions may be helpful for the beluga.

If you see the whale, researchers ask you report your sighting to the Whale Sighting Network at 360-331-3543. Sightings can also be mailed to info@orcanetwork.org or called in to the NOAA West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at 866-767-6114. Orca Network says it is critical that sightings are reported quickly, so researchers can get out on the water and, hopefully, learn more about the beluga, check its health and figure out where it came from.

"Much appreciation to all involved in the efforts to track and assess this Beluga's health," Orca Network said. "Let's all put this beautiful whale's safety first and foremost above all else. We wish this lovely being the best possible outcome and a miraculous journey to find their way home."