‘Iconic’ humpback whale returns to Washington state. Who is Big Mama?

An “iconic” humpback whale known as Big Mama is back in Washington state, according to the Pacific Whale Watchers Association.

The migrating whale made a roughly 3,000-mile journey from Hawaii to Boundary Pass in Washington’s San Juan Islands, the group said in a May 6 news release.

Member company Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching spotted Big Mama near Stuart Island on May 4, the release said.

“Big Mama is renowned for playing a key role in the recovery of Salish Sea humpback whales,” the Pacific Whale Watchers Association said.

Where can I see whales in Washington?

According to State of Washington Tourism, places to watch whales in Washington include Anacortes, Cape Disappointment, Deception Island, La Push, Port Angeles, Seabrook and Westport.

The San Juan Islands are “renowned for whale watching,” the tourism group said.

What are best months to watch whales?

If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of some of the biggest mammals on earth, your plans may depend on the type of whale you want to see.

“Generally, April through October is best for whale watching in Washington,” Tracie Merrill, education curator at the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, told State of Washington Tourism.

The best time to see northbound gray whales in Washington is March through May, according to the state tourism board.

You can typically spot southern resident orcas in April through September due to the influx of salmon during those months, the tourism group said.

“Humpbacks are frequently seen from May through June, though they can be spotted throughout the spring and summer,” the Washington state tourism group said, while transient orcas and minke whales can be seen all year long.

“Whale behavior and travel patterns have changed considerably in the last two decades,” Gless said. “It’s possible to see any type of whale at any time of year nowadays.”

What kinds of whales can I see in Washington?

Whale watchers can spot several kinds of whales off the coast of Washington state, according to San Juan Cruises, which offers cruises departing from Bellingham and La Conner.

According to the whale watching company, you can spot these whales in the Salish Sea:

• Transient orcas.
• Southern resident orcas.
• Minke whales.
• Humpback whales.
• Gray whales.
• Dall’s porpoises.

Are humpback whales endangered?

Several whale species found in Washington state are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales and sperm whales.

Threats to humpback whales include climate change, ship strikes and human-generated marine sounds, according to the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A fin whale died May 5 after being stranded on Samish Island south of Bellingham in Skagit County, the Bellingham Herald previously reported.