Whale Spotted In Boston Harbor

HULL, Mass. -- A baby Beluga whale has been making appearances in Boston Harbor, but there is concern that the whale may be put in harm's way because of natural curiosity.

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Sonya Pfeiffer Reports On Whale

NewsCenter 5's Sonya Pfeiffer reported that the whale, named Poco, is believed to be about 5 to 7 years old and to weigh 1,000 pounds.

"Everybody was up and looking for the animal, which was right off the stern. It was excellent," boat captain Dayle Sullivan-Taylor said. "I think he went into the jet bubbles. He probably hasn't seen jet bubbles before."

Poco's proper home is New Brunswick, Canada, but he's been sighted nine times in Boston Harbor in April and May.

"He is interacting with boats, it would appear. We want to make sure that people and this whale remain safe," New England Aquarium spokeswoman Connie Merigo said.

The whale's behavior has marine specialists concerned. They are advising people to steer clear of Poco and observe the whale from a distance.

"He will come up to the boat. He will try to interact with you. He seems like he wants to play, and we really need people to resist the temptation to try to play with the whale, because he is not really playing with you, he is attracted to the object, the boat," U.S. Fishery Department spokeswoman Teri Frady said.

Officials hope that as the water temperature rises, Poco's food supply will move out to sea and that the whale will follow.