A juvenile gray whale, nicknamed Willapa Willy, was found dead after a rare upriver swim of about 20 miles in the Willapa River, an apparent hunger-driven foraging move amid a broader Pacific coast migration.

The river ascent occurred during the gray whale spring migration along the North Pacific, with many individuals entering Willapa Bay on their northward journey from Baja California to Alaska.

The whale was discovered near Raymond, Washington, in the Willapa River, which feeds into Willapa Bay, as researchers monitor ongoing migrations along the coast.

NOAA Fisheries stresses that people should not interact with wild marine mammals and should observe from a distance to protect the animals’ welfare.

Cascade Research Collective scientists are closely monitoring the situation and advising the public to avoid close contact with the whale to prevent stress-related harm.

Observers note broader conservation concerns for gray whales due to Arctic prey declines and ongoing migration challenges.

Cascadia Research Collective reports the whale appeared thin but had no visible injuries, and researchers planned to examine the carcass as soon as possible to determine causes and collect data.

Researchers planned a necropsy to ascertain exact causes and to contribute data for ongoing studies, potentially as soon as the coming Monday, while giving the whale space.

Authorities have previously declared an unusual mortality event for eastern gray whales (late 2018 to late 2023), with hundreds of strandings and a population around 13,000 in 2025, the lowest since the 1970s.

Scientists attribute ongoing declines in eastern Pacific gray whale food availability—linked to reduced Arctic prey—to malnutrition and emaciation across the population.

Experts indicate that fasting during the northward migration can push exhausted whales to seek new feeding grounds, potentially explaining inland river forays.

Residents and social media captured the Willapa River entry on the north fork, about 185 miles southwest of Seattle, drawing crowds to bridges and viewing spots.