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Team Trying to Free Entangled Whale

The humpback whale that was tangled up in a gill net near Petersburg earlier this week has made its way to Juneau waters. A National Marine Fisheries Service spokeswoman said a disentanglement team was out Wednesday observing the whale. On Friday, the three-person team was out trying to cut it free.

The whale has a buoy attached to it for spotting, as well as a tracker. It was in Stephens Passage on Thursday. Fisheries spokeswoman Julie Speegle did not want to disclose its specific location, for fear of people chasing it.

But with the Labor Day weekend, sightings are especially likely. Officials were asking boaters not to intervene and to stay clear of the whale, both for its well-being and their own.

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Jeremy Hsieh is the training editor of the Alaska Desk.
Reach Jeremy at jhsieh@alaskapublic.org or 907-550-8428.