Why Detour?

Just why gray whales make detours is a subject of active research among scientists. A detour poses risks. In harbors, detouring whales face more interactions with vessels and with curious humans. Whales may be injured by these encounters. They may also become trapped in shallow water and die. Why take the risk?

At least for Puget Sound, the reason seems to be food. Changing conditions in the Arctic have reduced the food available to gray whales in their normal feeding grounds. The whales that enter and feed in Puget Sound have survived two “ high mortality events”. A high mortality event is a serious decrease in the overall gray whale population. Entering Puget Sound to feed looks like a successful strategy for staying alive.

Go Back to your Detour