A video of a mysterious, reptilian creature has hit the internet and it's causing a splash!
Chaisin’ Tails Outdoors, a saltwater bait and tackle shop in Atlantic Beach, shared a clip of the creature and its confusing movements on Facebook Tuesday. And let us tell you, it's a doozy!
"Something you don’t see everyday,” the shop wrote alongside the video taken by captain Daniel Griffee. “Whales or the Loch Ness Monster in the port this morning. Never seen one inside the inlet like this!”
The 43-second clip shows the dark, shiny creature surface briefly and exhale before gliding smoothly through Bogue Sound. It's like something straight out of a sci-fi movie!
People in the comments started waging their guesses calling the mysterious animal a giant gator, a giant snake, a manatee, and even the Loch Ness Monster!
But, it turns out it was just a North Atlantic baby calf that strayed away from her mother and came up to the surface for some air!
According to The Charlotte Observer, it is uncommon to see certain types of marine animals in Bogue Sound during this time of year. However, North Atlantic whales are known to migrate along the coast during the winter months. These whales have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970 and it is believed that there are fewer than 350 individuals remaining in the wild. North Atlantic right whales are large marine mammals, typically measuring between 46-55 feet long and weighing between 40-70 tons. They are known for their black color, white patches on their head, and a broad back without a dorsal fin. They are typically found in the coastal waters of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
