New Calf Brings Right Whale Season to 24

Researchers identified a previously undocumented North Atlantic right whale calf photographed near Anticosti Island, Quebec, in September, months after it was likely born and missed during surveys. The calf was seen with its 38-year-old mother, Silt, and brings the count from the latest calving season to 24—the highest since 2009 and the fourth-highest on record. Scientists say the discovery is encouraging, but the species remains critically endangered, with only about 380 individuals and roughly 70 reproductive-age females; ship strikes and fishing-gear entanglement remain serious threats.