Authorities issue shark warning over whale that swam 11km upstream in Clarence River and later died

A juvenile humpback whale has been spotted far inland near Bundjalung National Park, an unusual but not entirely unheard-of occurrence for the species. Experts note that while the whale’s presence in a New South Wales river represents an uncommon event, similar cases have been documented before. Authorities confirmed the whale, which entered the Clarence River on the mid-north coast, was later towed out to sea after its death. The incident highlights the occasional but striking behavior of young humpbacks venturing into freshwater systems.

Juvenile humpback was spotted near Bundjalung national park in what experts say is a rare but not unprecedented eventGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWhile the case of a whale found 11km upstream in a New South Wales river this weekend was unusual, it was not unprecedented, experts say.The juvenile humpback, which swam into the Clarence River on the state’s mid-north coast and later died, was towed out to sea on Sunday, according to NSW authorities. Continue reading...