Large Pod of Transient Biggs Orca
Cover Image:
Biggs, including T037As, T049As, T101s & T124As, south of Campbell River
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
A large pod of Transient Orca appeared on May 19 in Georgia Strait and made its way northward to Campbell River over the afternoon and early evening. The pod numbered around 20 animals and it comprised of Orca from four different maternal lines/families. Large pods of Transient Orca are not observed regularly but they may form up more occasionally than we know. Another family of Transient Orca identified as the T002C pod was observed on many days this past week. The T002C’s appeared in Hoskyn Channel on May 15, in Sutil Channel on May 17, in Dent Rapids on May 18 & 19, and then in Malaspina Strait travelling past Powell River on May 21. These whales do travel far from day to day!
More Humpback whales have appeared and were observed in various waterways. A common Humpback nicknamed ‘Kelp Creature’ or ‘KC’ was observed and identified on May 21 in Discovery Passage. The nickname was given because when the whale was a calf, it would play in kelp frequently. A couple of Grey whales were sighted in Discovery Passage on different days. It is uncertain if these were different Grey whales or the same one observed twice. A Minke whale appeared off of Kelsey Bay (Sayward). There are not many Minke whales in and around the inside waterways, but the best time to possibly see one would be over the summer months off the North-East side of Vancouver Island.
Many Pacific White-Sided dolphins were seen in many pods of various sizes, with the largest observed to be about 50 animals. Similarly, many Dall’s porpoise were observed in various locations and in pods of various sizes including one that contained 20 animals. Harbour porpoises round out our report; a couple of these sightings were of large pods of Harbour porpoises numbering around 30 animals. These large pods of porpoises may form as they forage or for mating.
If you are a boater, use caution on the water when travelling through waterways known to have Cetaceans in them frequently. Starting on June 1st, Federal laws will require boats to remain at least 400-m away when viewing Orca (currently, 200-m minimum viewing distance) and for other Cetaceans, laws require boats to remain at least 100-m from the animals. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2019-012
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Wed May 15 2019
10:04 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north at Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:38 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north at Bold Island, Hoskyn Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ milling, at Bold Island.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
15:38 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south mid-channel between Marina Island and Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading south between Marina Island and Quadra Island
Wed, 15 May 2019 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading south between Marina Island and Quadra Island
Wed, 15 May 2019 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri May 17 2019
08:58 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south at the north end of Lewis Channel. One big fin and two small fins. Information from Elvis. ▫ Second Hand
Bill Coltart, Big Animal Encounters
11:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ off Bullock Bluff, Cortes Island, Lewis Channel.
13:18 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ approaching Von Donop Inlet, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:46 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south-west between Hill Island and Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:22 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south approaching Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Sat May 18 2019
08:29 • est. 6-8 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ bucking tide, in front of Sea Lion Rock, Yuculta Rapids. At 8:34, the Orca turned and were heading towards Gillard Passage.
09:06 • est. 6-8 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ in Tugboat Passage, Dent Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
10:05 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ at Hall Point, Sonora Island, Nodales Channel.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002Cs, at Hall Point
Sat, 18 May 2019 – 3 items
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002Cs, at Hall Point
Sat, 18 May 2019 – 3 items
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
13:26 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south, Horn Point, Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:30 • est. 5 Biggs Orca frolicking, heading north close to shore between Harvey Creek and Brunswick Point, Howe Sound. Breaching, spy hopping, slow moving, underwater a lot. Watched for 30 minutes until out of view. ▫ Observed from Shore
LB, Lions Bay, BC
15:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ half mile behind Stuart Island heading towards Henrietta Point, Bute Inlet. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sun May 19 2019
09:00 • est. 10-12 Biggs Orca hunting, heading west 2-km off Wilson Creek to the north of White Islets, Georgia Strait. Circling around the north side of White Islets. Then after about 10 minutes, they headed west toward Trail Islands. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Geordie Harrower, Roberts Creek, BC
11:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south at Denham Islet, Dent Rapids.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:48 • est. 8 Biggs Orca milling, 1 mile off Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs, including T037As, T049As, T101s & T124As, south of Campbell River
Sun, 19 May 2019 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs, including T037As, T049As, T101s & T124As, south of Campbell River
Sun, 19 May 2019 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:19 • est. 20 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north just north of Kitty Coleman Beach Park.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:35 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south at Little Dent Island, Dent Rapids.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:23 • Biggs Orca ◦T037As,T049As,T101s,T124As◦ heading north near Miracle Beach Park, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south towards Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:43 • Biggs Orca ◦T037As,T049As,T101s,T124As◦ heading north out from Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
19:42 • Biggs Orca ◦T037As,T049As,T101s,T124As◦ heading north mid channel in front of Simms Creek in Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
20:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T037As,T049As,T101s,T124As◦ heading north passing Tyee Spit, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Tue May 21 2019
06:43 • est. 6+ Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ between Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper) and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
06:58 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading south off the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002C’s, off of Grief Point
Tue, 21 May 2019 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002C’s, off of Grief Point
Tue, 21 May 2019 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
07:55 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ by Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. T002C2 ‘Tumbo’ is lagging behind the others.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
08:58 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ taking long dives, passing Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Wed May 15 2019
07:45 • Orca heading south at Hill Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat May 18 2019
10:45 • Orca at the back of Frederick Arm.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
12:20 • est. 3 Orca moving slowly, heading south-east 1-km off Bowen Island Ecological Reserve, Georgia Strait. Close to ferry – small calf and mother with a male that has huge dorsal fin. ▫ From Ferry
CS
12:50 • Orca heading south towards the land side off Cordero Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:03 • est. 8 Orca heading north between Bowen Island and Passage Island, Queen Charlotte Channel. Report from ferry. ▫ Second Hand
Hilary Buckley, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Sun May 19 2019
09:45 • est. 8 Orca breaching, between Seal Bay and Savary Island, Georgia Strait. Post originally from the Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings Facebook page. The pod was also seen diving. ▫ Second Hand
10:50 • est. 8 Orca south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
15:21 • Orca heading south from Mayes Point towards Drew Passage. Very Active.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:45 • 5 Orca moving slowly, heading north between Sechelt Peninsula and Nelson Island, Agamemnon Channel. Exiting Pender Harbour, then turning up Agamemnon Channel . ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
TM, Pender Harbour, BC
16:30 • 3 Orca heading north close to Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Mon May 20 2019
13:00 • 1 Orca heading south past Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Lone bull Orca.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:00 • est. 4 Orca foraging, heading east between Myrtle Point and Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. One very large Orca, 3 smaller. Relatively short down times, travelling eastward, half to three-quarters of the distance out to the prawn trap areas east of Whalen road. ▫ Observed from Shore
Perk Percy, Powell River, BC
Tue May 21 2019
11:57 • 3 Orca heading south approaching Bowers Islands, Chatham Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed May 15 2019
18:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south abeam Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 16 2019
09:25 • 1 Humpback Whales off No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
10:34 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south past Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Not spending time on the surface.
Jen Smalley, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:43 • 1 Humpback Whales at Browns Bay.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
11:11 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, just south of Browns Bay. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:55 • 1 Humpback Whales by the Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:00 • Humpback Whales off Raza Point, Raza Island, Calm Channel.
16:22 • Humpback Whales moving slowly; taking long dives, heading south off Raza Point, Raza Island. Dives were 10 minutes long. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
Fri May 17 2019
08:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
10:47 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Squirrel Cove, Cortes Island, Lewis Channel.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Sailing Adventures
11:36 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north in front of Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
14:31 • 2 Humpback Whales bucking tide, between Kellsey Point and Sonora Lodge, Yuculta Rapids.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sat May 18 2019
15:30 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, off Lawrence Point, Bute Inlet.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon May 20 2019
12:15 • est. 1+ Humpback Whales heading east near Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. At Singing Sands dive site, possibly heading East towards Texada. Information from Comox Wildlife Sightings facebook page. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Tue May 21 2019
09:40 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north by Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
09:47 • Humpback Whales heading north off Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:14 • Humpback Whales off Moriarty Point, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
13:14 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:45 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ moving slowly, heading north between Browns Bay and Plumper Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:50 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ moving slowly, heading north off No Name Creek, Discovery Passage. Taking long dives.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:41 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
17:00 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ at No Name Creek, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
18:20 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ off No Name Creek.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
MINKE WHALES
Wed May 15 2019
–:– • 1 Minke Whales heading west in front of Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait. Observed by Hans Lammers mid-afternoon. ▫ Second Hand
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
GREY WHALES
Fri May 17 2019
13:45 • 1 Grey Whales travelling, heading south off Hanks Beach, Cortes Island, Baker Passage. Passed along the shallow shoreline and saw it once taking a breath. ▫ Observed from Shore
Serene Watson, Mansons Landing, BC
Sat May 18 2019
09:56 • 1 Grey Whales at Elk Point, Discovery Passage. From Bradden Kiley. ▫ Second Hand
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:00 • 1 Grey Whales heading north, Elk Point.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
12:58 • 1 Grey Whales heading north, just north of Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue May 21 2019
08:00 • 1 Grey Whales heading south off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Information from Lighthouse at Chatham Point. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:06 • Grey Whales taking long dives, heading south off Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed May 15 2019
08:38 • est. 2 PWS Dolphins at Howe Island, Nodales Channel. From the Yucata. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:42 • est. 12 PWS Dolphins in Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
10:20 • est. 12 PWS Dolphins heading north at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Right to shore moving at 8 knots.
10:33 • PWS Dolphins heading north at No Name Creek, Discovery Passage. Close to shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:15 • 12 PWS Dolphins milling, at Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
19:10 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins on the east side of West Thurlow Island off the dock in Blind Channel. Being harassed by a small zodiac.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
19:10 • PWS Dolphins playing, off the east side of West Thurlow Island in the bay at the resort in Blind Channel.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 16 2019
10:33 • PWS Dolphins north of Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
12:38 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins sneaking along the shore behind Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
14:35 • PWS Dolphins still behind Walkem Islands.
15:45 • PWS Dolphins heading south off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Playful Pacific White Sided Dolphins off of Chatham Point
Thu, 16 May 2019 – 1 items
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Playful Pacific White Sided Dolphins off of Chatham Point
Thu, 16 May 2019 – 1 items
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Fri May 17 2019
16:38 • est. 10-20 PWS Dolphins off Granite Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Kianna Thistlethwaite, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat May 18 2019
14:36 • est. 6-8 PWS Dolphins milling, at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
15:52 • 30 PWS Dolphins playing, heading north, Deepwater Bay, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
About 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading north off of Deepwater Bay
Sat, 18 May 2019 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
About 30 Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading north off of Deepwater Bay
Sat, 18 May 2019 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:00 • PWS Dolphins off Separation Head, Quadra Island mid Discovery Passage. Two small groups.
18:05 • 10 PWS Dolphins milling, off Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sun May 19 2019
10:20 • PWS Dolphins at the point off Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage.
Bill Coltart, Big Animal Encounters
11:13 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading north at Kanish Bay. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:18 • PWS Dolphins at Kanish Bay. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bill Coltart, Big Animal Encounters
15:55 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins at the junction between Discovery Passage and Okisollo Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
DALLS PORPOISE
Wed May 15 2019
08:25 • Dalls Porpoise spread out, between Brougham Point and Hemming Bay, Nodales Channel. With the Harbour Porpoise.
15:45 • Dalls Porpoise at the mouth of Frederick Arm.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 16 2019
14:20 • Dalls Porpoise off Lee Islands, Nodales Channel.
14:53 • Dalls Porpoise by the Sonora Fish Farm, Nodales Channel. Larger pod of porpoise.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
Fri May 17 2019
08:40 • est. 20 Dalls Porpoise off Brougham Point, East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
17:21 • Dalls Porpoise playing, between Chatham Point and Howe Island, Discovery Passage. Large group.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Mon May 20 2019
10:15 • Dalls Porpoise milling, north of Denham Islet, Dent Rapids.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:51 • Dalls Porpoise at Denham Islet.
Tenacious 3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
14:39 • 8 Dalls Porpoise milling, at Horn Point, Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:45 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise off Bennett Point, Turnour Island, Clio Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Wed May 15 2019
08:25 • Harbour Porpoise spread out, between Brougham Point and Hemming Bay, Nodales Channel. Some frisky little Porpoise. A few Dalls Porpoise too.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 16 2019
14:40 • est. 29 Harbour Porpoise milling, in riptide off Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri May 17 2019
17:35 • est. 30-40 Harbour Porpoise heading north off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Channel. These porpoises were observed over an hour as they passed the park, in pods ranging in size from 3 to 8 animals – about 6 pods in total. Some juvenile porpoises were in some of the pods. ▫ Observed from Shore
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Harbour Porpoise
About 30-40 Harbour Porpoise heading north off of Whytecliff Park
Fri, 17 May 2019 – 1 items
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Harbour Porpoise
About 30-40 Harbour Porpoise heading north off of Whytecliff Park
Fri, 17 May 2019 – 1 items
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Sun May 19 2019
06:50 • est. 10-12 Harbour Porpoise heading north at Big Rock in Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon May 20 2019
09:15 • Harbour Porpoise between Steep Island and the mill at Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage. Mid Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES UNSURE
Sun May 19 2019
17:21 • 1 Species Unsure turned, in Frolander Bay, Malaspina Strait. Either a small Humpback or Grey whale. Stayed in the bay for more than an hour. Very calm, turning around.
Helene Guy
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The Magazine
REGIONAL
CBC News
A West Coast female killer whale, known as J17, has been on scientists’ radar for several years because of how skinny she is – and it’s only getting worse.
New aerial photos show that the orca, who’s part of J pod and B.C.’s endangered southern resident killer whale population, has lost a significant about of body fat since last fall….
read on
WEST COAST + NATIONAL
Anchorage Daily News
Scientists on Wednesday were monitoring a dead gray whale stuck in the mudflats south of Girdwood (Alaska).
It’s the second whale found dead in Turnagain Arm within two weeks, and among dozens that have washed up dead along North America’s West Coast this year….
read on
INTERNATIONAL
ScienceDaily
Scientists have studied potential cancer suppression mechanisms in cetaceans, the mammalian group that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Biologists picked apart the genome of the humpback whale, as well as the genomes of nine other cetaceans, in order to determine how their cancer defenses are so effective….
read on
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Vanderbilt University – Research News
Vanderbilt University paleontologists are looking into the evolutionary origins of the whistles and squeaks that dolphins and porpoises make – part of the rare echolocation ability that allows them to effectively navigate their dark environment.
The team, one of the first in the world to examine the ability’s origins, used a small CT scanner to look inside a 30-million-year-old ear bone fossil from a specimen resembling Olympicetus avitus. This member of the toothed whale family, in a branch that died out before modern dolphins and porpoises appeared, lived in what is now the state of Washington….
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