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Gray Whale Watching Newport Beach |
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 Newport Beach Gray Whale Description Gray whales are baleen whales which means that instead of having teeth, they have baleen plates which have the ability to filter food from water. They are also called Devil Fish by some for the aggression the exhibit when attacked. Other than the blue whale, they are one of the largest species of whale reaching lengths of up to 50 feet and can weight up to well over 70,000 lbs. Gray whales have a life expectancy of about 50 to 60 years under normal circumstances.
Gray whales are noted for their dark gray color which is covered with gray and white patterns, the result of parasites such as barnacles becoming dislodged in colder waters. Contrary to the name Devil Fish, gray whales for the most part are not aggressive. Because of its size, the gray whale only has two natural preditors, killer whales (Orcas) and humans. Because of whaling, gray whale populations had dwindled to the point of being extinct in some parts of the world. However since 1949, gray whales have been under the protection of the International Whaling Commission, which has allowed populations to increase. It is estimated that the California gray whale population is above 20,000, but populations in other parts of the world are still considered endangered.
Gray Whale Reproduction and Migration
Whale breeding is a complex process and can take up to three whales. Whales breed biannually and when the calf is born, it comes out tail first and measures about 12 to 14 feet. Calves are usually born in shallow waters to protect them from attacks from predators. In about October, whales in the north begin their migration to the California area. Depending on where they go, the trip can range from 5,000 to 7,000 miles one way. Whales usually travel about 75 miles a day so they begin to show up in Southern California around January. With a round trip of 10,000 to 14,000 miles, the gray whale has the longest migratory pattern of any mammal known.
For more information on other whales in the Newport Beach area, please click on the link below:
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