Biologists: Group Of Gray Whales Staying In Puget Sound

Puget Sound is usually just a pit stop for migrating gray whales, but biologists say there’s evidence that a small group is staying here for good.

Over the past several weeks, a gray whale has been spotted several times close to the shore in Edmonds.

First the whale was seen stranded twice by low tides near Everett on July 9.

UNCUT: Whale Appears Again On Everett Beach

"It would have completely overheated and died on that beach had it not been wetted down and taken care of by people," said Howard Garrett of the Orca Network.

On July 15, the whale was found feeding near Tulalip.

UNCUT: Gray Whale In Tulalip Bay

Experts say that it’s actually late in the season to have gray whales around because most migrate by now, but a few hundred whales may call Puget Sound their home.

Biologists say new research shows about 200 of them have developed distinct genetic and geographic identities, separating them from the other 17,000 gray whales that migrate.

Usually the whales head north to the Bering Sea or south to Mexico, but the distinct group stays between Canada, Washington and Oregon all year round, biologists say.

Since the whales seem to be sticking around, several animal rights groups are circulating a petition to take care of the small group of gray whales.

"No other groups have been identified as being another subset like this," Garrett said.

Linda Tate works for the Seattle Aquarium and thought all gray whales were migratory.

"If they're staying here, then you would have to assume that it's because there's enough food to support them,” Tate said.

Garrett said the petition has been filed with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has the final say on listing.

"They need this special protection from indigenous whaling, basically," Garrett said.

Biologists don’t know for sure if the whale spotted twice is part of the small group.

"This recent one off Everett seems to be one of the newcomers. Maybe it will come back next year. Maybe it's gotten to like it," Garrett said.