Air Force base could threaten Florida's endangered Rice's whale

Air Force base could threaten Florida's endangered Rice's whale

In 2021, scientists confirmed a new species of whale in Florida after one washed up in the Everglades in 2019. The Rice’s whale, also known as the Gulf of Mexico whale, was previously considered a Bryde’s (pronounced broodus) whale. The Rice’s whale has an estimated population of less than 50, making it an endangered animal. Also in the Gulf of Mexico, the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) of the Eglin Air Force Base covers about 120,00…