Rare right whales spotted off Florida

Endangered right whales have been sighted in the Gulf of Mexico, the first confirmed sighting there in more than 20 years, scientists said Thursday.

University of Florida student Chris Cramer photographed two whales off the coast of the Florida Panhandle on April 9.

The animals are right whales, probably a female and her calf, according to whale experts who examined the photographs.

Right whales have large heads, no dorsal fins and can grow up to 16 metres long.

About 300 North Atlantic right whales are known to live off the East coast of Canada and the U.S. They are considered one of the world's most endangered species.

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service wants to monitor the whales. The department warned boaters to be on the lookout and report sightings.