‘Slinky’ sea creatures known for disappearing act captivate boaters off CA. See them

Whale watchers aboard a boat off the coast of California recently caught a few glimpses of the special species considered to be the Houdini of the whale kingdom.

On Aug. 4, two minke whales were spotted in Monterey Bay.

“We have definitely been seeing an increase in Minke whale sightings this season!” Monterey Bay Whale Watch said in a Facebook post recounting the stirring view.

In photos posted by the organization, one minke whale’s back is visible, its sickle-shaped dorsal fin peeking above the water.

“They are usually quite sneaky and live up to the loving nickname they are often given, ‘slinky minke,’” MBWW said.

Oceanographers and whale enthusiasts gave the species the nickname after noticing them pop out of the water, disappear for nearly five minutes, then reappear in an unpredictable location, according to Orca Ireland.

Members of the species are baleen whales, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says. They can grow up to 35 feet and weigh 20,000 pounds.

Minke whales can be found throughout the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While their population is stable, they are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. According to Orca Ireland, summer feeding months bring them to inshore waters, like bays and inlets.