'Do not disturb' warning ahead of whales' arrival

HUMPBACK whales could make their way back to the southwest coast again this winter - but marine experts have warned people to 'leave them be' and let them feed and rest.

- Sarah Lumley reports

It would not be the first time the “incredible” creatures have been spotted off the Cornwall coast this year, with a spate of sightings over just a few weeks back in January and February, particularly around Newquay.

Humpback whales, which can grow up to 60ft long, are recognisable by their unique knobbly head and their five-metre long, winglike pectoral fins.

And sightings may be possible in Westcountry waters in the coming weeks, as wildlife experts from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) predict there’s a “good chance” that they may be arriving here this winter.

In a post shared on Facebook by wildlife cinematographer, Dan Abbott, he wrote: “As we move towards winter, there’s a good chance of humpback whales being seen again around the southwest.