Onlookers spotted a white whale on the coast off the village of Volchanets in Primorye Territory. The animal reached the shallows abutting the beach and was playing with people. The village is on the shore of Vostok Bay in the Sea of Japan.

“At first it seemed it had just come to the shoal to rub against sand while molting. But no, it just swam into the shoal close to the shore and people,” Primorye Aquarium specialists say.

They believe the whale is three or four years old. In all likelihood, it is one of the belugas released from Srednyaya Bay, because they are highly curious and not afraid of humans.

Primorye residents are urged not to touch white whales, swim with them, or try to feed them, because the animals can show aggression. This may lead to bites or other injuries.