Wildlife

Right Whale Baby Boom

Scientists are expressing hope for the recovery of the endangered Atlantic right whale population after seven of the species’ calves were spotted off Florida this winter.

Only about 450 North Atlantic right whales are believed to remain after whaling drove the species to near extinction before hunting them was banned in 1937.

Right whale mothers typically give birth about every four years. Researcher Katie Jackson of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says about 16 to 18 calves need to be born each year just to maintain the current small population.