Critters of the Week

Whales were spotted on a Rudee’s Whale Tour and the Responsible Code of Conduct for Whale Watching was followed. Look for a write-up of our trip next week.

Where Spotted: 6 Miles off the coast of Virginia Beach
Common Name: Humpback Whale
Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
Length: 12–16 m (39–52 ft)
Weight: 25–30 t (28–33 short tons

Quick Facts

• Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to 25,000 km (16,000 mi) each year. Virginia Beach is on their route during the months of December, January, and February.
• Like other large whales, the humpback was a target for the whaling industry. The species was once hunted to the brink of extinction; its population fell by an estimated 90% before a 1966 moratorium.
• The varying patterns on the tail flukes distinguish individual animals. Identification is done by comparing the amount of white vs black and scars on the fluke. The humpback whales are then given a catalogue number.
• Thin, parallel scars are from the killer whale’s teeth, and are known as “rake marks.” The circular scars on the flukes are from barnacles, which embed themselves into the whale’s skin.
• Instead of teeth, this filter-feeder has baleen plates that overlap to form a dense net used to strain millions of small shrimp-like animals.
• Humpbacks may work as a team when hunting for schooling fish. Once underwater, several humpbacks encircle the fish with a “bubble net”— a ring of bubbles blown from their blowholes. Others position themselves beneath the school and then rise, forcing the fish toward the surface. The humpbacks then lunge up through the concentrated school of fish, feasting on thousands of prey in a single gulp with their cavernous mouths.
• Killer whales are known to prey on both calves and adult humpback whales.
• At birth, a calf can measure up to 15 feet (4.6 m) long and weigh about 1,500 pounds (680 kg).

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Seafoam at Richmond SPCA

Hi there, who are you? My name is Seafoam and I really hope you’re my new family! Even though the people here at the Richmond SPCA are very nice, it’s still not the same as having a home to call my own. Won’t you please make me the happiest girl around by adopting me today?!

Age: 2 years,
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Grey / White
ID: 49283891

Adopt Finnegan at Richmond SPCA

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