Amid a flurry of whale sightings around Scilly Isles, wildlife experts are urging caution and attempting to identify the elusive creatures. The reported spotting of a rare species of whale off the coast of Cornwall has provoked some excitement amongst marine enthusiasts. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust has received reports of eighteen whale sightings from the area, including minke and humpback whales. The plot thickens as one of the whales spotted was potentially a rare breed previously unseen around those waters recently, creating quite a buzz around the marine community.
Jay Cowen from the trust, warned that the whale spotted might either be a Cuvier’s beaked whale or a northern bottlenose–the both species preferring offshore deeper waters and not usually seen close to the land. The rarity of spotting both whales in the UK alone made it particularly unusual to find them near Scilly. The most consistent sightings were around St Martin’s where a number of humpbacks were identified.
Whales typically migrate to warmer waters nearer the equator between late May and October to breed before returning to colder oceans to feed their calves, some species even cover an astounding range of 6,000 miles (9,656km). Wildlife experts are used to seasonal sightings around the Scilly Isles however rare breeds are an exceptional find for them. “Every single year I am on the edge of my seat waiting for that first sighting of whales,” said the fundraising and comms officer who also added that it was heartwarming to discover that the whales were back in Scilly, and they love the experience of looking out for them.
As fascinating as the whale sightings are, experts have warned people not to get too close and cause stress to the whales. People have also been urged to call the British Divers Marine Life Rescue if they notice any stranded animals. In order to conserve and coexist peacefully with the wonderful sea creatures around us, it’s essential that regular sea goers and the general public alike be especially vigilant and safe in their interactions with these majestic beings
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
