Humpback Whales
Latest about Humpback Whales
![A whale tail image taken just out of water.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jkzabbu2U8SXDN8Fe5Rd63-320-80.jpg)
7,000 humpback whales died in the North Pacific over 10 years — and 'the blob' is to blame
By Elise Poore published
New research using artificial intelligence reveals that a decline in the North Pacific population of humpback whales between 2012 and 2021 coincided with the strongest marine heat wave recorded globally.
![Two male humpback whales having sex in surface waters.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xSkbp7Z9LMjZiJzszFs9Hh-320-80.jpg)
Male humpback whale seen forcing sex on emaciated, injured male in extremely rare encounter
By Sascha Pare published
Photographs taken off Maui, Hawaii, show the first documented case of a male humpback whale sexually penetrating another male, with the latter appearing injured and covered in parasites.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![The dead humpback whale with white skin on a beach near Mallacoota in Australia.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gubC6ri9Gay7JCwX9mweAk-320-80.jpg)
Extremely rare white humpback whale washes up dead on Australian beach
By Harry Baker published
A dead white humpback whale was recently found on a remote beach in Australia. However, experts say the animal is not an albino.
![A large group of sharks.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mSMZqfyMWM5e4Lmo9eDgJd-320-80.jpg)
Spiraling vortex of 60 sharks rips apart a dead humpback whale in mesmerizing new video
By Harry Baker last updated
There were potentially even more sharks in the swarm.
![A humpback whale breaching.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BhV9cRKXCCwkUhZHsXv8Kc-320-80.jpg)
Breaching humpback whale body slams boat in Mexico, injuring everyone on board
By Harry Baker published
Local authorities suggest the young humpback did it on purpose.
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