Young Orca Wounded In Harrowing Human Encounter

On Saturday morning, a 6-year-old orca named Fern sustained an injury in the open ocean, most likely as the result of a collision with a boat's propeller.

The whale was spotted off the shores of British Columbia by researchers who determined that Fern's wound was "extensive but superficial, consistent with an injury inflicted by a propeller, and quite fresh, likely from the same morning."

The group, from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), say they photographed the whale using an unmanned hexacopter, aka drone technology, according to a press release.

Though boaters are advised to stay away at least whales.org/watching-whales/whale-watching-guidelines/">100 meters away from whales, boats still regularly strike aquatic wildlife such as whales, sea turtles and manatees.

Apparently boat strikes run in Fern's family, according to NOAA research biologist Meghan Moore: "Twelve years ago, A95's great uncle A60 (Fife) was spotted with a series of deep, parallel cuts on and just below the right side of his dorsal fin; we believe they were caused by a boat propeller. They've since healed and Fife is alive and doing well today."

Despite the whale's bloody appearance, researchers noted that Fern's spirit wasn't shaken by the injury. The statement referred to the whale's demeanor as "vigorous, engaged in social activity and apparently behaving normally."

With all the dangers posed to whales and wildlife, Fern demonstrates the orca's strength and resilience.

Check out The Vancouver Aquarium's animated video for tips on sharing the ocean with whales.