Marine Mammals
Latest about Marine Mammals
![We see a slender whale on a beach with yellow ties around its head and tail. The ties are attacked to an excavator.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5koAEK46rsjvx2ERcEZpS3-320-80.jpg)
Ultra-rare, deep-diving whale dies on New England beach with possible case of bird flu
By Sascha Pare published
A necropsy revealed that the animal may have been infected with avian influenza, which would be "a big deal" if it is confirmed by further testing, scientists say.
![A pod of orcas swims in the sea with their dorsal fins and backs poking out.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZG5QQMKdy6RjgLKYC8ELSk-320-80.jpg)
Orcas rip rudder off boat and follow it all the way to port, in 1st known attack of its kind
By Sascha Pare published
Previous reported interactions between orcas and sailboats followed a clear pattern, with the animals losing interest and swimming away once they had broken the rudder.
![Beluga whale in harness](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TBxzSUyFqwjNwvXgxTNWjf-320-80.jpg)
Suspected Russian spy whale is looking for love in all the wrong places
By Harry Baker published
A beluga whale that was discovered wearing a suspicious harness in 2019 is on the move in search of other belugas. But it's heading in the wrong direction.
![An orca with its dorsal fin visible above the water swims past a sailing boat.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gWBPbH68X2daYAbhnnz7Mm-320-80.jpg)
Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why?
By Sascha Pare published
Scientists think a traumatized orca initiated the assault on boats after a "critical moment of agony" and that the behavior is spreading among the population through social learning.
![Screenshots from the underwater footage taken for research purposes show humpback whales rolling on the sandy seafloor.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o5VpvDQGDAmqgxkrAMQHZ4-320-80.png)
Humpback whales caught on film for 1st time treating themselves to a full body scrub on the seafloor
By Sascha Pare published
New footage shows, for the first time, how humpbacks scrub off dead skin and parasites to stay streamlined and keep their skin healthy.
![Three orcas swim side by side in Monterey Bay, California.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vfLDi7By9SCSDJUYLxFrMH-320-80.jpg)
In rare attack, 30 orcas 'badly wounded' 2 adult gray whales in California
By Elana Spivack published
A pod of about 30 orcas attacked and "badly wounded" two adult gray whales off the coast of California, according to drone footage.
![A white orca swimming between two normally colored individuals](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hThSuLd3bVV3MJ5TXQYmxb-320-80.jpg)
Extremely rare white killer whale spotted off California coast
By Harry Baker published
The mostly white orca calf was spotted by a whale-watching vessel. It most likely has a pigment-related condition called leucism, experts say.
![A humpback whale and her calf swimming below ocean's surface.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rexMPkCWjKruhi2gCGPiLg-320-80.jpg)
Humpback whales: Facts about the singers of the sea
By Patrick Pester last updated
Humpback whales are iconic members of the baleen whale family thanks to their breathtaking breaches and hauntingly beautiful songs.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.