Whales given antibiotics to prevent infection

Scientists injected a stranded mother whale and her calf with antibiotics Saturday to ward off infection in wounds that have worsened from exposure to the fresh water of the Sacramento River.

Veterinarians on a boat shot custom-made syringes with 8-inch needles into the humpbacks using a modified rifle.

Wildlife officials said it was the first time antibiotics had ever been administered to whales in the wild.

The lost creatures continued to circle about 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean, where they have lingered since leaving the Port of Sacramento on May 20.