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| Distribution |
In NC, presumably occurred up and down the state, likely inshore and perhaps well offshore. Thought to be extirpated in NC waters and North Atlantic waters, for over two centuries; however there is a specimen at the Smithsonian museum from Corolla (Currituck County) of a freshly dead juvenile, in 1976, and another old carcass in Dare County in 1978. There is also a collection at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (NCSM 4005) dated as "16-3-1987", though the record is of a skull (of an animal that could have died a few centuries earlier). There were confirmed photos from Namibia (in Africa) in 2015. Thus, there are a very few records from recent decades to suggest at least a few Gray Whales are making their way from the Pacific into the Atlantic.
Presently found essentially only in the Pacific Ocean, but formerly occurred in the Atlantic Ocean; it has been essentially extirpated from the Atlantic since the 1700's. |
| Abundance |
Thought for many decades to be extirpated from the state. In 1982, there were four skulls known from the state in several museums (Lee et al., 1982). Former abundance off the NC coast is not known. Even if the 1976 and 1978 records were indeed of recently dead animals, that dates were still nearly 50 years ago, and the species should still be considered as probably Extirpated from NC waters, as opposed to simply Historical. But, there is still hope that the species might again return to our shores. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Not known, but probably mostly in spring and fall, as it is a strongly migratory species along the eastern Pacific. |
| Habitat |
Oceanic, more likely inshore than in deeper waters, as the behavior of Pacific coast animals takes them along the coast, within a few miles of shore. |
| Behavior |
In the Pacific, where well known as a long-distant migrant, the species is quite tame and can be approached closely by boats. There is a major tourist industry in the Pacific States and Mexico for the observation of Gray Whales. |
| Comments |
The whaling industry was the cause of the complete extirpation of Gray Whales in the Atlantic. However, there are a few fairly recent Atlantic records. The species, which is the only species in its family (Eschrichtiidae), is listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. |
| Origin |
Extirpated |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
SXM |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G4 |
| Federal Status |
E |
| subspecies |
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| other_comName |
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| synonym |
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