California reviews endangered status for southern resident killer whales

California wildlife officials are evaluating a petition to grant endangered status to southern resident killer whales. The population, numbering just over 70 individuals, faces critical threats including dwindling salmon stocks and rising human activity in their habitat. State authorities are currently soliciting public feedback as part of the review process for potential new protections. Washington and Oregon have already extended state-level endangered protections to this whale population. The move is aimed at bolstering conservation measures for a group whose numbers remain dangerously low.