A professor in Norway said a beluga whale found in the Arctic Ocean near Norway's point could be a Russian . Local residents report that the beluga was very and enjoyed being stroked. The professor said the whale had a and mount for a spy . He said: "It is most that the Russian Navy...was involved." However, show there is "Equipment of St. Petersburg" written on the harness in English. A local said: "It could have escaped from a Russian military or...swum from St. Petersburg, Florida, of the English-language ."
There is speculation about the whale. Journalists say it could have come from a whale- facility in St. Petersburg, Florida. The US uses dolphins to help navy divers. A Russian analyst downplayed links the beluga might have with the Russian . He said: "Even if there are military programs for using animals for navy purposes, they are to be belugas." A Russian military told the BBC: "If we were using this animal for , do you really think we'd attach a mobile phone number with the 'please call this ?'"