MARINE MAMMALS

Marine Mammals can sometimes be seen in Taylor’s Creek off Front Street in Beaufort. They can often be seen in the sound and offshore. Some of the more common include:

Bottlenose Dolphin – These are the most common marine mammals in the waters near Beaufort. They are light grey to black with white bellies. They range from 6 to 12 feet long, and congregate in groups. They are highly adaptive and will hunt whatever fish is most abundant.

Sperm Whales – These range from 40 to 50 feet in length, and have blowholes on the left side of their heads and teeth only in their bottom jaws. Sperm whales feed on squid primarily and are deep divers, staying under for up to 30 minutes to an hour. They are on the endangered species list. The NC Maritime Museum exhibits a full skeleton of a young sperm whale that was found stranded on the beach near Cape Hatteras.

Humpback Whales – These are baleen whales which eat krill and small fish. They grow up to 60 feet in length and have long (up to 15 foot) pectoral fins. They are dark grey with areas of white on their fins and bellies. Humpback whales calve and feed in shallow waters and enjoy breaching and slapping the surface oif the water with their fins.

River Otter – These are often found in coastal areas, including Taylor’s Creek, and feed primarily on fish. They are stocky and streamlined, 2 to over 3 feet in length, with short legs and elongated bodies that are largest at the hips.

Manatee – More and more West Indian Manatees (sea cows) are reportedly seen in North Carolina waters each year. A relative of the elephant, they eat plants and some small fish and crustaceans. They are grey or brown, have no hind limbs, and can be from 9 to 11 feet in length.