Marine Mammals
Latest about Marine Mammals
![Stranded killer whale laying on the beach opposite 6 otters that were found inside its stomach](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fDrgRy4sFJVY7RgkSksCti-320-80.jpg)
Scientists investigate mysterious case of orca that swallowed 7 sea otters whole
By Elise Poore published
The female orca was found far from her normal hunting ground with six whole sea otters in its stomach and one lodged between its oral cavity and the esophagus.
![Three examples of humpback whales performing kelping by moving seaweed over their fins and heads.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C2DCnz4WzjbsxU4LwykmBd-320-80.jpg)
Kelping is a 'global phenomenon' sweeping the world of humpback whales, scientists say
By Sascha Pare published
Humpback whales may enjoy rolling around in seaweed as a form of play, but "kelping" could also help maintain their skin health by removing parasites and bacteria.
![A mother orca and her calf swim near a boat and the coast in northern Norway.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qVz66sgqMPHvKxs2vE5GPj-320-80.jpg)
Opportunistic orcas have developed a new feeding behavior that appears to be killing them
By Sascha Pare published
More orcas have died entangled in fishing gear in Alaska this year than in previous years, which may be linked to a "new behavior" where they feed in front of ascending fishing nets.
![A whale jumps out of the water in front of a sunset](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r8acKX87vwu3XEYN4gAVkb-320-80.jpg)
Could an impending rise in solar storms cause more whales to strand?
By Harry Baker published
Past research suggests that some whale species are more likely to get lost and accidentally beach themselves during periods of increased solar activity, such as the upcoming solar maximum.
![Lolita performs at the Miami Seaquarium.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iw4H5A9J5U6sFsCMnFQCth-320-80.jpg)
Lolita, the 2nd-oldest orca in captivity, who was set to be released to the wild, has died
By Harry Baker last updated
Lolita, also known as Tokitae, died before she could be returned to her native waters in the Pacific Northwest.
![Adult seals and seal pups lying on a shore on an island.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZzgmzH2GGixLb9o3ToqeLL-320-80.jpg)
Mystery mass death of seals on remote, uninhabited Siberian island under investigation
By Jacklin Kwan published
Carcasses of seals, sea lions and birds were found on Tyuleniy Island in the Sea of Okhotsk by environmental groups who were there to clear up plastic pollution.
![An artist's drawing of an extinct whale.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WrdVUZARSQqoE695xR9waj-320-80.jpg)
Tiny 'King Tut' whale 'lived fast and died fast' in ancient Egyptian waters
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Paleontologists in Egypt have described a new species of extinct whale that was dwarfed by other basilosaurids.
![a white humpback whale calf swimming with its mother in turquoise blue sea](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nPPnmCCQbK5Bu5tbAs3K94-320-80.jpg)
Baby Moby Dick? Rare white humpback whale calf filmed off Australia
By Emma Bryce published
The latest footage follows two other sightings of all-white, newborn humpback calves — but experts aren't convinced these whales are albino like the famous Migaloo.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.