Humpback whale entangled in nets near Mobile Bay

A humpback whale has caught itself into a "large amount" of fishing gear near Mobile Bay, according to a whale rescue group in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wayne Ledwell of the Whale Release and Strandings group says the animal is towing a orange fishing balloon, and a white plastic float, both about 100 metres behind the animal. He's asking boaters in the area to be careful, as the ropes could damage their boats.

"Engine propellers could possibly become fouled resulting in a very dangerous and possibly life threatening situation," the group said in a press release.

The whale was spotted by Molly Bawn Tours at about 3 p.m. on Saturday. Ledwell says his group searched the area for the animal until late Saturday night, but could not locate the animal, which he believes is since moved on from the area.

"If you come across the whale or any entangled whale do not attempt to cut any gear off of the whale as you can do more harm than good by removing a marker buoy," the press release wrote.

Anyone who sees the animal is asked to contact the rescue group.