On a brisk November afternoon, a humpback whale made a rare and astonishing appearance beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The sighting marked the first time in two years that one of these majestic creatures ventured into New York City’s East River, a waterway more accustomed to ferries than flukes.

Residents and visitors alike were caught off guard as the whale breached the surface, spraying water from its blowhole against the backdrop of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Footage captured the moment near the Williamsburg Bridge, where onlookers gasped in amazement at the unexpected marine visitor, reports the New York Post.

Following the Fish

Experts believe the whale was likely hunting its favorite prey—Atlantic menhaden, a fish commonly found in the region.

“The whales will follow fish wherever they need to go,” said Danielle Brown, research director at Gotham Whale.

Brown told Fox News that this behavior sometimes leads humpbacks to explore urban waterways, particularly during the late fall when fish congregate in the area.

The whale’s journey reportedly included a swim through the Buttermilk Channel, a narrow passage between Governor’s Island and Red Hook. From there, it ventured further north, surprising boaters and pedestrians alike. The East River, a tidal estuary rather than a true river, connects Upper New York Bay to Long Island Sound, offering access to marine species under certain conditions, Vice reports.

Challenges in an Urban Habitat

While the sighting brought joy to many, it also raised concerns for the whale’s safety. The East River sees heavy boat traffic, including ferries and cargo ships, which pose significant risks to marine life, Our Town reports. In this case, public vigilance in reporting whale sightings is critical. This allows the organization to issue warnings to boaters, helping to minimize the risk of collisions.

“There’s a lot of danger for a whale in this area,” Brown told Fox News. “The more eyes we have on the water, the better we can protect both the whale and the people navigating these waters.”

The U.S. Coast Guard also issued advisories to boaters, highlighting the need for caution in the busy waterway.

A History of Urban Whale Sightings

Though rare, humpback whales have made headlines in New York City before. A whale was last seen in the East River in 2022, while another made waves in the Hudson River back in 2020, reports Soap Central. These sporadic appearances are a testament to improving water quality and a growing population of forage fish in the region.

Gotham Whale reported that 2024 has been a record-breaking year for whale activity around New York, with more sightings than ever before. As Our Town reports, this reflects broader conservation successes, as efforts to clean up waterways and regulate fishing have bolstered the marine ecosystem. However, it also underscores the need for continued vigilance as urban and marine environments intersect.

A Shared Responsibility

As the whale continues its journey—whether deeper into the city’s waterways or back toward the open ocean—it leaves behind a sense of awe and a reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility to protect marine life. Organizations like Gotham Whale encourage citizen scientists to contribute photos and reports, which help researchers track and safeguard these animals.

For now, New Yorkers will keep their eyes on the water, hoping for another glimpse of this unexpected visitor. Whether feeding on menhaden below the Brooklyn Bridge or navigating the Buttermilk Channel, this humpback whale has certainly left its mark on the city.