70 Right Whales Spotted Together in Cape Cod, Police Called in to Protect Them

This is unprecedented for not just Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but the world.

Around 20% of the entire world's population of the North Atlantic Right Whales were all spotted swimming in Cape Cod together, with incredible footage captured by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

According to NPR, that's around 60 to 70 of this powerfully beautiful, endangered species.  The pod included a mother and her calf, who were seen feeding outside the east end of the Cape Cod Canal in the Cape Cod Bay.  This is clearly a really big deal, as there are less than 350 North Atlantic Right Whales left in the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.

Because of this incredible amount of whales, the Massachusetts Environmental Police were called in to protect them from boat traffic, and even close down waterways temporarily help escort them when necessary, according to the police.  And that's exactly what happened when a mom and her calf ventured into the Cape Cod Canal.

What a beautiful site and a beautiful moment to see such love and care for our animals.  The sea is theirs, and they always deserve respect.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, at least nine have been killed in the last six years or so, but it's not well-documented.

In case you're not aware, our New England coastline is one of two critical habitats for these stunning creatures, designated as such by NOAA Fisheries.  The other is the northern coast of Florida up to the southern coast of North Carolina.  That means, according to NOAA, that they'll hang out in those areas the most.