A group of marine researchers say a young beluga whale is too attached to the Maritimes for his own good.
Nepi, who’s estimated to be about four years old, was spotted in Summerside, P.E.I., earlier this month, much to the delight of a local diving class.
READ MORE: Local fire chief uses excavator to free dolphins trapped by ice in Newfoundland
But Robert Michaud, scientific director of the Quebec-based Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals, says it’s worrying to see a young beluga getting friendly with people so far from home.
Get daily National news
The group first came across Nepi in June 2017, when they rescued him from a New Brunswick river and brought him to the St. Lawrence Estuary in Quebec – but the following summer, the adventurous mammal was spotted again in Nova Scotia.
-
![]()
Beluga whale rescued in Alaska travels to San SeaWorld in Texas -
![]()
Researchers mapping Beluga Whale genome for the first time -
![]()
Vancouver Aquarium experts join international effort to help stranded beluga calf -
![]()
Vancouver Aquarium unveils new seal lion exhibit -
![]()
Beluga whale stranded in New Brunswick heading for home
Michaud says belugas shouldn’t become socialized with people because they can be injured or killed by boats, and asks that anyone who spots a beluga in the water keep their distance to avoid reinforcing their curiosity.
While most belugas live in the Arctic, their southernmost habitat is in the St. Lawrence Estuary: a critical habitat for belugas, which are protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
- Competition Bureau sues Google alleging anti-competitiveness on web ads
- Australia passes world’s 1st social media ban for kids under 16
- ‘Incredible snow totals’: Squalls to hit parts of Ontario, up to 80 cm possible
- Alberta government takes aim at GHG emissions cap, proposes rules on trespass and data gathering
Comments