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| Distribution |
In NC, perhaps just a single report, far offshore.
Occurs in oceans worldwide, but it is very rarely noted off the East Coast of the United States. More frequently noted in the Pacific Ocean than in the North Atlantic. |
| Abundance |
Extremely rare anywhere off the middle Atlantic Coast, including in NC waters. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Only NC report is from the winter season. |
| Habitat |
Typically in fairly deep waters, well off coasts, though it can be seen on some one-day Pacific Coast boat trips. Does not necessarily favor cold waters over warm waters. |
| Behavior |
It is a very fast swimmer, though is normally easily spotted and followed from a boat when present owing to its large size, the longest/largest animal species that has ever lived (now or historically). Blue Whales are usually seen alone or in very small pods. |
| Comments |
Wildlife in NC issue by Todd Pusser: "two satellite-tagged female blue whales from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Canada were shown to move into waters off the North Carolina coast during the winter months of 2016, one swimming to within 27 miles of Cape Hatteras." |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S1?M |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G3G4 |
| Federal Status |
E |
| subspecies |
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| other_comName |
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| synonym |
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