California

Search Underway for Humpback Whale Found Entangled in Netting Outside Los Angeles Harbor

Over 40 whales have been found entangled in California just this year

A search Sunday for an entangled humpback whale spotted outside the Los Angeles Harbor near the Rancho Palos Verdes coast will continue into Monday.

Whale watchers spotted the animal wrapped in a bright blue fishing net around 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The net was wrapped around the 35-40 foot whale's body and mouth, Dan Salas, owner of Harbor Breeze Cruises said.

Salas said he tracked the whale Saturday but lost sight of it when it got dark. The whale was still swimming and not weak, he said.

While whales can go a long time without eating, Salas said the whale could be in trouble if not released from the net soon.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 40 whales have been entangled this year in California. Only six have been successfully freed.

The last whale to be entangled off the coast of Southern California was found Oct. 9.

If you see a whale in trouble, call the whale rescue hotline: 877-SOS-WHALE.

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