Gray whale spotted in Ballard Locks

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Ballard locks had an unexpected visitor Wednesday.

Photos and videos of a gray whale were slathered across social media in the late morning and early afternoon.

The whale appears to be full size, but under-nourished for it's size, NOAA says. The gender and the age of the whale are unclear.

NOAA says that this is the time of year when whales typically migrate to the Arctic. Though it is not uncommon for whales to show up in the Puget Sound, they do not usually stick around this long -- especially in high-traffic areas.

According to the Orca Network, the whale is the same one that has been in and around the Ballard Locks since March 21.

The whale likely wasn't strong enough to make the entire migration and wandered into the Puget Sound looking for food or a place to die, NOAA officials say.

It is unclear how the whale entered the Locks.

The Orca Network cautions boaters to be aware that the whale is in the area and to give it lots of room.

KIRO 7 is reaching out to wildlife officials to try and find more information.

Cox Media Group