Grey Whales in Crisis: Starving, Lice-Ridden

0:00Five gray whales have washed up dead-off British Columbia's coast this year, and some are so skinny, they're like bags of bones. Officials with fisheries and oceans Canada, say this die-off, points to tough times ahead, especially after four turned up in just the last ten days. All near Vancouver Island, this matches what's happening down south, with up to 15 deaths in Washington State over the past couple weeks, plus more in California, and Oregon. Experts like Paul Cottrell from DFO have never seen whales in such rough shape, and they're bracing for worse. These massive migrators travel one of the longest routes on Earth, wintering in Mexico before heading north for summer feeding grounds. But last summer's meals fell short, leaving them starved as they push up the coast right now. Necropsees with local first nations are underway, and one recent case in Sydney revealed a nasty-lice infestation that basically ate the whale alive. Meanwhile, scientists like Wendy Sinislo are tracking how prey is dropping in arctic and sub-arctic spots.

1:01Warmer oceans and shifting ice from climate change are hitting their food supply hard, leading to malnutrition, fewer babies, and these sad. Loss is worse than any year since 2019's 11 deaths off BC. Keep an eye on the ways, folks. This trend has everyone worried. That wraps Canada News today. Brought to you with AI.