Summary
A young gray whale died after swimming 20 miles inland up a river in Washington state. Researchers suspect hunger as a possible reason for the whale's behavior. There has been a decline in food availability for gray whales in the Arctic, affecting their population.
Key Facts
- A young gray whale was found dead in the Willapa River in Washington.
- The whale swam 20 miles inland from the coast.
- Researchers believe hunger might have led the whale to search for food up the river.
- Gray whales migrate along the Pacific Coast to feed in the Arctic.
- Food availability in the Arctic has decreased, impacting gray whales.
- The gray whale population is declining, with about 13,000 estimated remaining, the lowest since the 1970s.
- The dead whale, named "Willapa Willy", appeared thin but showed no injuries.
- Other gray whales have washed up dead in the same region recently.
