There have been several sightings of a popular whale that stole the hearts of many across the globe last year.
According to a Jan. 31 press release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries department, a North Atlantic right whale known as “Snow Cone'' gave birth to her calf while she was entangled in a mess of fishing rope. Snow Cone was first observed entangled in March 2021, and based on the severity of her entanglement, Fisheries determined that Snow Cone would likely die due to the entanglement.
“North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered whale species," NOAA Fisheries said in the release. "There are fewer than 350 remaining. Since 2017, North Atlantic right whales have been suffering an Unusual Mortality Event. They are dying faster than they can reproduce, largely due to human causes.”
Through a series of disentanglement rescue operations, highly-trained NOAA partners removed hundreds of feet of the rope, which improved Snow Cone’s likelihood of survival. Mother and calf's health seems to be holding up after a sighting of the duo on Dec. 2, 2021, according to the agency.
Experts do not believe that Snow Cone is in any danger that would threaten her life, with the release stating that rescuers "can plan and respond when the timing is right."
NOAA Fisheries is tracking 13 mother-calf pairs so far this season, but this mighty and resilient whale has attracted a special following, according to the release.
