(CNN) – The first North Atlantic right whale calf of the season has been spotted.
Conservation officials hope the discovery is a sign that these rare marine mammals can grow in population.
The North Atlantic right whale is an endangered species, mainly due to human interaction.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said nearly 150 have died after being caught in fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes.
NOAA estimates about 370 whales remain in the population.
As for this recent discovery, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said three whales and the calf spotted off the coast of the Carolinas.
There are three potential mothers, but it is not yet known which one the calf belongs to.
Wildlife officials encourage boaters to be cautious in the water and to report any whale sightings.
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