*** About Gray Whales: Gray whales, scientifically known as Eschrichtius robustus, are baleen whales known for their distinct gray patches and scars over darker skin. Adults can reach up to 49 feet in length and weigh as much as 90,000 pounds. These mammals are famous for their long migration routes, often traveling between feeding grounds in the cold Arctic waters and breeding areas in the warmer waters off Mexico. Observed often along the North American west coast, gray whales feed on small crustaceans by filtering them through their baleens. They have a unique feeding strategy that involves stirring up the seabed and feeding on the sediment-laden creatures that surface. Threats to their survival include habitat degradation, collision with ships, and disturbances from underwater noise. Encounters with these creatures are profound, reminding us of the ocean's vital role in Earth’s ecological balance.

***

Image ID: 68027

A division of USAOnCanvas.com Gallery Picture Frames