Where are the whales in Puget Sound?
2 min read
Asked by: Tony Lawrence
Are there minke whales in Puget Sound?
A resident population of minke whales is catching the attention of scientists who want to learn if the elusive mammals are found here year-round. While small compared to their cousins the blue whales, minkes are still among the largest creatures in the Salish Sea.
How can you tell a minke whale?
Minke whales have a fairly tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin located about two-thirds down their back. Their body is black to dark grayish/brownish, with a pale chevron on the back behind the head and above the flippers, as well as a white underside. Calves are usually darker in coloration than adults.
What whales are in Puget Sound?
Types of whales in the Puget Sound
There are seven species of whales and dolphins that frequent the Puget Sound and Salish Sea (the waters that run up to the west of Vancouver Island): orcas, transient orcas, gray whales, humpback whales, minkes, fin whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, and pseudorcas.
When can you see minke whales?
Minke whale in Scottish seas
Minke are most often spotted around Scotland between July and September, but they can be seen at any time between May and October, and a few may stay here year-round.
How common are minke whales?
There are estimated to be over 180,000 common minke whales in the North Atlantic.
