How wildlife officials saved a humpback whale found 'hogtied' to a 300-pound crab pot
The juvenile whale was seen swimming in a clockwise circle, making unusual noises and trailing two buoys. A team of wildlife experts had to move fast, but with plenty of patience, to save its life.
Wildlife officials successfully rescued a humpback whale after it was discovered entangled in a web of crabbing gear and at risk of dying, the National Park Service said.
A pair of residents first spotted the whale on Oct. 10 off the coast of Gustavus, Alaska. Surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus is bordered by the so-called "Icy Strait," a popular ocean feeding ground for humpback whales in the spring, summer and fall.
But this particular whale wasn't feeding. It was seen "trailing two buoys, making unusual sounds and having trouble moving freely," according to an account of from the park service.
