Marine wildlife experts attempted to guide a young minke whale out of Long Beach Harbor after it spent several days swimming in the area. This situation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is not uncommon, with whales typically finding their way out on their own.
Efforts included removing booms near the harbor entrance to create a wider opening and using noises to direct the whale. Initially, the whale swam out but then returned. The team decided to allow the whale to find its way out on its own, especially during the quieter nighttime hours.
Minke whales, the smallest of the baleen whale family, can grow up to 26 feet long and weigh up to 14,000 pounds. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. While the whale's presence drew a crowd, NOAA confirmed that there was no immediate danger to the animal.