Photo of the Day: A Breaching Humpback Whale

December 3, 2012

Humpback whales can reach up to 60 feet (18 meters) in length and can weigh as much as 45 tons (41 metric tons). Although humpback whales are very large animals, they are known for their ability jump or breach nearly completely out of the water. Reports suggest that humpback whales can jump up to 40 feet (12 meters) in the air, falling back in the water with a powerful splash.

Did you know: Humpback whales are a favorite amongst whale watches, as they frequently perform aerial displays or slap the surface with their fins, tails or heads.

Today, humpback whales face a series of threats including entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, whale watcher harassment, habitat impacts, and proposed harvest. Research, education, monitoring, and preservation measures are all being implemented to help ensure the conservation of these massive whales.

 

Photo: ©Lucy Sada de Hermosillo