Humpback whales now common in Danish waters

Humpback whales, once a rarity in Danish waters, have become a near-regular sight in recent years, according to a whale expert at Denmark’s Natural History Museum.

Carl Kinze, a biologist and whale specialist, told DR that the North Atlantic humpback population has been steadily growing, leading to more frequent appearances in Denmark’s inner waters. In past years, one or sometimes several whales have been spotted annually.

Kinze suggests the increase may be due to young whales venturing into new areas in search of food, particularly schooling fish. The species is known for its curiosity and lack of fear around humans.

A humpback whale was filmed swimming through the Little Belt on Saturday by bridge-walking guide Linda Frølund Hansen. The whale in the footage appears unusually pale on its upper side, which Kinze says could indicate a fungal infection or natural barnacle growth.

He encourages anyone who spots the whale to document the sighting with photos or video, noting the time and location to help track its movements.