Gray whale
(LA)[ ESCHRICHTIUS ROBUSTUS ]
Mother gray whales and their newborns migrate north this month, heading for Arctic waters after a midwinter birth in the mild waters off Baja California, and the still-uncertain babies need a bit of guidance. Although the rest of the population heads north in February, mothers with infants lag behind for a month or so to give their offspring a chance to build strength and confidence for the long, perilous journey along the coast. Predators, including orcas, target the babies, and mother gray whales defend their young so vigorously that whalers used to call them “devilfish.” When not threatened, however, they mellow into extremely tender, attentive parents.
NATURAL HISTORY
A baby 15 feet long and 1,000 pounds at birth consumes a lot of milk, and this huge demand makes a mother anxious to reach the rich feeding grounds of the Bering Sea, where she can fatten up after her winter-long fast.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Easily distinguished by their mottled gray coloration; can measure up to 50 feet long and weigh up to 45 tons.
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