Belugas mass strand in Huson Bay

2026, July 20. Canada, Hudson Bay, Manitoba, near Churchill. A mass stranding of 7 belugas whales. A pod of three females and four calves trapped in a shallow, isolated pool about 50 metres from tide line. Birds had already injured the whales. Gulls were pecking at the stranded belugas, causing minor injuries. Officers used bear bangers to scare the birds away and prevent further harm. Risk of polar bears: Blood from the injuries posed a serious risk of attracting polar bears. RCMP officers were called to help keep watch and keep people away. The whales were too large to move manually, so officers stayed with them for nearly two hours, splashing water on them every 20–30 minutes and keeping watch for predators. Successful return to the bay: As the tide returned, water reconnected with the pool, forming a stream. The belugas immediately swam toward the exit point and safely to open water.

Manitoba Conservation Officers Association/Facebook)