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Researchers capture rare sighting of sperm whale in inshore waters near Nanaimo

A sperm whale was spotted near Nanaimo, B.C. by researchers with the BC Cetacean Sightings Network.
A sperm whale was spotted near Nanaimo, B.C. by researchers with the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network

A rare sighting of a sperm whale in inshore waters was captured on camera.

The B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network said the sperm whale, named Yukusam, was photographed near Nanaimo by three researchers with the Pacific Biological Station on Wednesday.

The young male was last seen in February in Johnstone Strait along the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.

Prior to the glimpse of Yukusam, the only time a sperm whale had been discovered in inshore waters was via acoustic detection, making this sighting extremely rare.

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Scientists aren’t sure why the sperm whale, which normally stays well offshore, was in these waters, but predict he may have been looking for food.

A sperm whale was spotted near Nanaimo.
A sperm whale was spotted near Nanaimo. BC Cetacean Sightings Network
BC Cetacean Sightings Network researchers caught a glimpse of the whale, dubbed “Yukusam.” BC Cetacean Sightings Network

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