Endangered Right Whales Return To Cape Cod Bay

PROVINCETOWN, MA – Seven rare North Atlantic right whales were spotted in Cape Cod Bay, according to the Center for Coastal Studies. The center's aerial surveillance team photographed the critically endangered animals Tuesday.

Among the confirmed sightings were whales identified as Arpeggio, Marble and Meridian.

According to the Associated Press, scientists have been keeping a close eye on right whales due to a decline in population. There are just 411 of them left in the world, the AP reported.

The sighting means the whales have started feeding earlier than previously thought, a senior scientist at the Center for Coastal Studies told the AP.

Photo: Right whales spotted off Cape Cod January 19, 2018. (Credit: Center For Coastal Studies)