Experts say humpbacks may soon be in SW waters but they must be allowed to rest and feed. Sarah Lumley reports

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.

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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.