KLAMATH, CALIF. (AP) - Scientists are trying to collect gas samples from the blowhole of a 45-foot gray whale stranded in the Klamath River in Northern California.
Scientists on Wednesday used a funnel on a long pole to capture the samples, which can tell them about the whale’s nutritional state, stress level and disease.
Sarah Wilkin, a coordinator with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, said the whale remained upstream after weeks spent trying to drive it from the river.
The mother gray whale and her 15-foot calf entered the river in late June. The calf swam to sea on July 23.
The whale is still in good condition, but researchers are concerned she won’t get enough food in the fresh water.
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