Gray Whale Spotted Off Los Angeles County Coast

A gray whale was spotted off Marina del Rey on Tuesday, drawing onlookers and warnings from officials to stay away

A gray whale spotted close to shore along the Los Angeles County coast drew onlookers and warnings from officials to stay away from the mammal.

The whale was first spotted off Topanga Beach, north of Santa Monica, before heading south to Marina del Rey, said Peter Wallerstein, with the Marine Animal Rescue.

Officials were urging people to stay away so they don't get hurt.

Wallerstein said this is normal behavior. What is unusual is the time of year that these whales are usually seen in the area. The whales typically migrate from Baja and are usually gone by now.

The sight drew people out to watch.

At one point the whale was seen in the southern part of Venice, at the entrance to the marina.

"County lifeguards are watching it. The harbor patrol is watching it. So we got an eye on the whale just in case it needs help," Wallerstein said. 

Wallerstein said that officials will return Wednesday morning to check on the whale.

Another whale was spotted in the area last week. NBC4 compared images of the two whales and concluded that it was likely the same whale.

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