PROVINCETOWN, Mass. (WPRI) — The first North Atlantic right whales of the 2024-2025 field season were spotted in Cape Cod Bay on Monday. The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) said scientists from its Right Whale Ecology Program observed two of the critically endangered whales. One was less than a mile east of Pilgrim Beach and the other was about seven miles west of Wellfleet. Scientists were able to identify the whales as two juvenile males that have been observed in Cape Cod Bay for the last three years and as recently as April. RELATED: Right whale mother and calf spotted off Cape Cod coast One of the whales was seen skim feeding near the surface of the water, a behavior that scientists normally don't observe until much later in the season. During an aerial survey, researchers with the Center for Coastal Studies Right Whale Ecology Program observed a critically endangered whale skim feeding on Nov. 18, 2024. (Courtesy Center for Coastal Studies photo) "It is normal to have right whales popping in and out of the Bay throughout the year; however, it is surprising to see skim feeding in the fall," CCS researcher Christy Hudak said. There are only about 372 North Atlantic Right Whales left, and only 70 of those are breeding females. CSS said the whales normally arrive in Cape Cod Bay in early winter. Last year, nearly half of the entire North Atlantic Right Whale population was observed in the bay. Seasonal protections for the whales are not yet in place, so the CSS is warning boaters to be aware that there are whales in the water and to use caution. ALSO READ: Dolphin mass stranding on Cape Cod found to be the largest in US history During the aerial survey, researchers also spotted Risso's dolphins, a species usually only found in deep-ocean waters. CSS researcher Ryan Schosberg said they were "happy to see all of those animals free-swimming, as they are known to strand when found in Cape Cod Bay." During an aerial survey, researchers with the Center for Coastal Studies Right Whale Ecology Program observed Risso's dolphins on Nov. 18, 2024. (Courtesy Center for Coastal Studies photo) Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW