Miami, Dec 19 (IANS/EFE) US authorities are looking for a man who was photographed off the Florida coast riding on the back of a female sperm whale, an endangered species.
The marine mammal, which is distinguished from other types of whale by its enormous head, was found dead Tuesday on a beach north of Miami. Federal authorities are investigating the causes of its death. The sperm whale, 9 meters long and weighing 30 tonnes, was still alive when the man, as yet unidentified, was photographed last Sunday sitting on its back. The pictures also show another swimmer trying to climb up on it.
Experts believe the whale could have been sick and dying as it swam, which might explain why it had come so close to land. Nor do they rule out that the two men tormenting it could have raised its stress level to the point of contributing to its death.
US federal law bans tormenting marine mammals, as well as interfering with any animal in danger of extinction, alive or dead.
Where's a shark when you need one !! The stupid things people do ! Just diving near whales is an incredible moment why would anyone feel they need more then that. I really hope they nail this guy
Although the guy is an idiot for doing this I seriously doubt they had any impact on the death of the whale. This whale was going to die either way. This whale was 27 ft long and over 60,000 lbs. It most likely did not even feel this guy on its back.
It's the point, whales are sensitive to noise and disturbance. This idiot for sure did not kill the whale, unless he did something we don't know about, but the law is there to give them space. It is what will happen next? Buzzing by boats and jet skis? He was probably hit by a ship which is the most common cause of these big guys getting killed but even if mortally wounded he still should be granted his space.
I hope they still get arrested and tossed in jail for awhile if for no other reason them to send a message. They are just lucky it wasn't a mother with a calf!
US authorities seek man photographed riding whale
Reply With Quote
There's nothing like being a Reefer!
Hi my name is Larry and I'm a coral addict! 
