• Small gray whale dies after swimming from ocean to river
• Declining gray whale numbers in the Eastern Pacific

A small gray whale was found dead after swimming from the Pacific Ocean into a river along the U.S. West Coast in Washington State, covering an estimated distance of about 32 kilometers. Scientists suggest the cause may have been a lack of food.

The Cascadia Marine Research Center reported that the whale, nicknamed "Willapa Willy" by locals, was first seen in a tributary of the Willapa River southwest of Seattle, before being found dead a few days later after attempting to venture further inland.

Researchers noted that the whale appeared thin from the start but showed no signs of injury and moved naturally, giving hope that it might return to the ocean on its own, which unfortunately did not happen.

Experts believe the whale was in a desperate search for food, as gray whales typically migrate north along the Pacific Coast during spring, relying on their stored energy reserves.

With food sources declining in northern seas, some whales may be forced to alter their routes in search of alternative feeding areas.

Researcher John Calambokidis highlighted that gray whales are facing a “real crisis” related to food availability in their traditional feeding grounds, especially in the Bering and Chukchi Seas near Alaska.

Gray whales are among the most prominent marine species attracting whale-watching tourism along the U.S. West Coast, with adults reaching lengths of up to 15 meters and weights around 40 tons.

These whales face multiple hazards during their long migrations, including collisions with ships or entanglement in fishing gear, and they usually travel alone.

In a related incident, researchers reported the deaths of two adult gray whales in the same region in early April, each about 13 meters long. Tests showed they suffered from malnutrition, and one had a head injury likely caused by a ship collision.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), gray whale numbers in the Eastern Pacific continued to decline, with an estimated 13,000 individuals recorded in the winter of 2025—the lowest level since the 1970s.