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Gray whale visits popular tourist spot in Seattle

(Photo: KIRO7/Yi Li Photography)

SEATTLE — The Ballard Locks north of Seattle had an unexpected visitor Wednesday.

Photos and videos of a gray whale slathered social media in the late morning and early afternoon.

According to the Orca Network, the whale is the same one that has been in and around the Ballard Locks since March 21.

The whale appears to be malnourished, the Orca Network says.

The whale likely wasn't strong enough to make the entire migration and wandered into the Puget Sound looking for food or a place to die.

It is unclear how the whale entered the Locks.

The Orca Network cautions boaters to be aware that the whale is in the area and to give it lots of room.

Researchers and the NOAA Fisheries have been contacted.