Rare sighting of harbor porpoise recorded in Napa River, experts urge distance

"He said the animal doesn't appear to be in distress and will likely remain in the area as long as food is plentiful before heading back toward San Francisco Bay and the open ocean. Rulli urged boaters and kayakers to keep their distance. Make sure you're giving a wide berth, especially if you're in a waterway, and observe it from a safe distance, he said."

"Though often mistaken for dolphins, porpoises are a separate species. They're smaller and stockier, with rounded snouts and triangular dorsal fins. Dolphins are sleeker, with longer beaks and curved fins and unlike dolphins, porpoises are quiet and elusive, surfacing only briefly before slipping back underwater. Harbor porpoises are regulars in San Francisco Bay and occasionally push farther upstream into tributaries like the Napa and Petaluma rivers, usually in pursuit of fish. Their movements often follow the tides."

A harbor porpoise surfaced in the Napa River Oxbow on Sunday and remained in the same stretch of water into Monday. A local resident filmed the porpoise and reported seeing two porpoises the next morning. Historical records show rare inland sightings, including instances in 2007 and 2015. The Marine Mammal Center confirmed at least one porpoise and indicated the animal appeared not to be in distress and may stay while food is available. Boaters and kayakers were advised to give a wide berth and observe from a safe distance. Harbor porpoises differ from dolphins and their movements often follow the tides.

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