Porpoise spotted in P.E.I. river

A porpoise has apparently made its way well inland to put on a show for people in the Bonshaw area, west of Charlottetown.

Charlottetown resident Sherri Hogan described seeing what is believed to be a porpoise in the West River Sunday as a once-in-a-life-time experience for her family. They went to try to catch a glimpse of the animal, a relative of the dolphin, after hearing about it on a local radio station.

"I just thought it was such a novelty I had to take advantage of it," said Hogan.

"I thought it was sweet. … I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it, but I loved taking the pictures of it."

Pictures taken by Hogan show a small black mammal with a fin and a white under belly. The section of the West River where the porpoise was seen is about 15 kilometres from Charlottetown Harbour.

Chuck Gallison, a provincial fish and wildlife officer, said given the description and the time of year it is likely the animal is, indeed, a porpoise. He said in these kinds of situations, the porpoise will find its way back to open water on its own in a few days.

If people try to interfere with its route using boats, he said, the mammal could become disoriented and lose its way.

The province will not step in unless the mammal is showing signs of illness or trying to get to shore.