Some gruesome pictures are circling the Internet of Japanese vessels killing whales for food. Gray whales migrating south along the coast of California looking for breeding grounds and to escape harsh winter seas are seeing an increase in numbers lately. Is it due to migration pattern changes or increase in the number of gray whales? Hunted to near extinct in early 1900s and declared as endangered species in 1973, gray whales are showing a remarkable comeback, according to many marine biologists, whale watchers and other experts in the field. Some say the increased numbers are due to better and more accurate counting methods as well as migratory changes. The species was taken off the endangered species list in 1994 based on observed population growth.

California coast is the place to watch migrating gray whales towards Baja California in Mexico. More than 20,000 gray whales are migrating each year from north to south from December to May of each year. Gray whales have seen migrating the longest distance from Alaska to California and Mexico travelling between 8,000 to 11,000 miles, taking two to three months. Enjoy watching them swim and reduce the number of mishaps allowing them to move free while enjoying their presence.