Whale spotted in gulf

TREASURE ISLAND -- Local marine officials are monitoring a 25- to 30-foot sperm whale swimming near John's Pass. The whale could be in distress, officials said Monday.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Mote Marine Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and a University of Florida veterinarian are checking on the whale's condition, said Mote spokeswoman Nadine Slimak.

A boater first saw the whale Sunday, according to BayNews 9, which posted video of the whale on its Web site.

Whales are common in the Gulf of Mexico, but typically stay well offshore, Slimak said. That one is this close could mean it's ill, she said. "It's pretty unusual for a whale to be this close," she said.

- Aaron Sharockman, Times staff writer

Comments

[Chris]

I see whales all the time at the beach. They're usually white, middle aged women. Ever notice you don't see fat old people?

[everyone else]

Hey Chris, that's not a whale, it's your mother!!!!!!!!

[Pete]

Whoever shot this video is HARASSING this whale! Stop it immediately and BACK OFF!

[Neil]

Chris:

The last whale you saw was you girlfriend, isn't her name Shamu? Can't they catch this whale and ship it to Sea World?

[Melissa]

Once again the st. pete times let's men insult women. The only whale I have seen are men with their fat bellies on the beach!

Wow, Melissa, way to make a valid point that obliterate it by sinking to the same level. That was so much a "I know you are but what am I?" mentality.

[Tom]

A whale? Get out the harpoons and crank up the fire - it's BBQ blubber time!