Boaters off Vancouver Island coast asked to stay away from formerly stranded orphan orca calf

Boaters are being warned to stay away from an orphan whale calf that has been spotted in an inlet off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island amid worries that she is becoming habituated to human contact.The two-year-old Bigg’s killer whale, who was the subject of a lengthy rescue effort when she was trapped in a lagoon near the village of Zeballos, made her way out into the tidal waters of Esperanza Inlet on Friday. She has since approached at least two boats, putting herself and mariners at risk.Under Canadian law, boaters are required to remain at least 200 metres away from killer whales in B.C. waters. Getting too close can result in charges under the Fisheries Act, with fines up to $100,000.