Summary:

Humpback whale spotted under the Brooklyn Bridge, a rare occurrence in the East River.
First sighting in the East River in two years.
Whale likely hunting for food, such as Atlantic Menhaden.
Estimated to be a juvenile whale, between 25 and 35 feet long.
Gotham Whale urges reporting of any future sightings to ensure the whale's safety.

Whale of a Time: Humpback Whale Spotted Under Brooklyn Bridge!

Humpback Whale near Brooklyn Bridge

A humpback whale, a rare sight in the East River, was spotted swimming beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge! This marks the first appearance of a humpback whale in the East River in two years, a fact confirmed by Gotham Whale's director of research, Danielle Brown.

A Rare NYC Sight

While more common along the ocean coastline, humpbacks are known to sometimes venture into the river, likely in pursuit of food such as Atlantic Menhaden. The last humpback sighting in the East River was in 2022, and before that in 2020 in the Hudson River. This recent sighting, while surprising, is not entirely unusual, according to Brown. The whale was also seen in the Buttermilk Channel, indicating it could be foraging in the area.

Humpback Whale Breach

Juvenile Whale?

Although the image provided only showed a glimpse of the whale, Brown estimates that it's a juvenile, measuring between 25 and 35 feet long based on previous sightings in this area.

Call to Action!

Brown urges anyone who spots the whale to report it to Gotham Whale. This is crucial not only to study its behavior but also to alert local fishermen to its presence. The high boat traffic and human activities present significant risks to the whale's safety. The cooperation of the public is vital to ensure the whale remains safe in its unexpected New York City visit.

Source: New York Post