Gray whale spotted in Santa Barbara Harbor
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A big attraction was spotted in the Santa Barbara Harbor on Friday.
A gray whale calf brought out large crowds along Stearns Wharf, as they were hoping to get an up-close glimpse of the gentle giant.
Harbor Patrol said the first sighting of the whale was reported around 12 p.m. on Friday.
Staff with the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institution are monitoring the whale.
It's not clear if the whale is sick or separated from its mother, but Harbor Patrol said there was no need for alarm.
Gray whales migrate off our coast from December through May. Mothers with calves often hug closer to shore to avoid Orcas in the channel.