New York City was treated to an extraordinary sight on Monday when a whale was spotted swimming in the East River.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the sighting to Gothamist on Tuesday but could not definitively identify the species, although it was likely a humpback or endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Although humpback whales are more common, a significant number of whales were spotted off the coast of Long Island this summer.
Footage captured by Fox News shows the majestic creature spouting water under the iconic Williamsburg Bridge at sunset as onlookers gasp in awe.
Gotham Whale, a local marine life organization, described the event as “somewhat unusual.” Danielle Brown, the organization’s research director, said Fox News digital.
“It is not clear if the whale is still in the New York City area,” Gotham Whale research director Danielle Brown told Fox News Digital. ‘Due to busy holiday travel it is entirely possible that the whale was still in the area today but has not yet been reported.’
While Brown estimates that there are dozens of humpback whales currently swimming off the coasts of New York and New Jersey, Gotham Whale has documented a more specific sighting; A mother and calf humpback whale pair were spotted in just 30 feet of water near Spring Lake, New Jersey, on Sunday.
New York City was treated to an extraordinary sight on Monday when a whale was spotted swimming in the East River
“Most calves at this time of year are weaning and preparing to be separated from their mothers, so it is a vulnerable time for them,” the organization advised in a Facebook post. ‘WATCH OUT for this little whale as he learns to eat!’
‘Always keep a minimum distance of 30 meters from all whales, but give mothers and calves extra space!’
This isn’t the first time a whale has been spotted near New York City. In 2020, a humpback whale was spotted in the Hudson River.
Additionally, several dead humpback whales have washed up in the area in recent years, including three between December 2022 and February 2023.