Famous Gray Whale 'Little Patch' Sighted in British Columbia During Unusual Winter Feeding Period

A notable gray whale, affectionately nicknamed 'Little Patch,' was observed actively feeding in the waters off British Columbia on November 25, 2025. This sighting is particularly noteworthy because, at this time of year, gray whales are typically engaged in their southward migration toward the warmer calving lagoons of Mexico for the winter season.

Little Patch is easily recognizable due to a distinct small white marking on its body. This individual has been under continuous observation by the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) since 1991. Erin Gleas, Executive Director of the PWWA, confirmed that this whale is perhaps the most recognized in the Salish Sea and has consistently fed in this locale since its initial identification. Furthermore, the whale spent several weeks near the West Vancouver coastline during April and May, feeding close to shore, which suggests a strong affinity for these local feeding grounds.

This deviation from the standard migratory pattern may be linked to broader ecological shifts impacting the Eastern North Pacific gray whale population, which researchers estimated to be around 13,000 individuals at the start of 2025. Climate change, specifically warming trends in the Arctic, is hypothesized by scientists to be negatively affecting the primary food sources for these marine mammals, leading to a scarcity of benthic organisms. Consequently, whales may be compelled to forage elsewhere, potentially explaining Little Patch's late presence in British Columbia.

Little Patch belongs to a subset of gray whales known as 'Sounders,' a group occasionally exhibiting departures from the main migratory route. One prevailing theory suggests that the whale is deliberately choosing to overwinter in local areas, such as the Salish Sea, because it has discovered an adequate supply of sustenance there. While the eastern population, to which Little Patch likely belongs, is generally considered to be recovering, the Okhotsk Sea (western) population, found off the Russian coast, remains critically vulnerable, with estimates hovering around just 240 individuals. In late 2024, Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources approved a Conservation Strategy for the Okhotsk Sea gray whale population, focusing on minimizing human impact and safeguarding key feeding areas.

Given the whale's proximity to populated areas, including the Sunshine Coast and West Vancouver shores, boaters and vessel operators have been strongly advised to exercise extreme caution. They must adhere strictly to established safety protocols for marine mammal viewing to mitigate the risk of vessel strikes.

Historically, gray whales migrating to Mexico usually arrive by late December or early January to commence mating and calving. However, 2025 has seen a general decline in population figures recorded along the Mexican coast, noting a reduction of 70 individuals compared to previous seasons. Little Patch's behavior in November in British Columbia essentially represents a substitute for the traditional wintering grounds, potentially signaling an adaptation to changing foraging conditions in the Arctic. Scientists are maintaining close watch, as the actions of a single whale can serve as an important barometer for wider shifts in the survival prospects of the entire eastern gray whale stock.