Emaciated Gray Whale Found Dead in Washington River

A juvenile gray whale that ventured 20 miles up a remote Washington state river, captivating local residents, was found dead over the weekend, highlighting ongoing concerns about the species' declining population and food scarcity.

The whale's body was discovered Saturday near Raymond in the Willapa River, which flows into Willapa Bay about 185 miles southwest of Seattle. It had entered the river's north fork on Wednesday, April 1, during the annual spring migration of gray whales from calving grounds in Baja California, Mexico, to feeding areas in Alaska. The 5,000-mile journey marks a critical phase for the animals, as they rely on fat reserves accumulated during winter, going weeks without substantial food.

Researchers with the nonprofit Cascadia Research Collective observed the whale behaving normally at first, though it appeared thin and emaciated, with no visible injuries. The organization initially opted to give the animal space to exit the river on its own. However, by Friday, the whale had moved farther upstream into shallow, unnavigable waters, complicating efforts to monitor it by boat. Local residents lined bridges to watch the 40-foot mammal, sharing photos and...