Beached whales engraving

Why Do Whales Strand Themselves?

In huge pods, small groups, or as individuals, whales routinely find themselves aground or stuck in shallow water. But why do strandings happen?
Giant Squid attack

Giant Squid, Giant Secrets

Very little is known about the giant squid, which surely has added to the strange creature's mystique.
Blackfish. G. H. Nickerson, Provincetown, Cape Cod Views.

Why Don’t Americans Eat Whale?

Whales have been used for everything but meat in this country. Why is that?
Sperm whale

What Is Ambergris and Where Does It Come From?

Ambergris, a waxy-like substance found in perfumes, has a unique origin.
Humpback Whale

The Importance of Whale Poop

Whales are an important part of ocean biodiversity. So is their poop.
Seagulls follow whales to eat anchovies.

The Sound of an Unknown Whale

Researchers might have identified one—and maybe even two—brand new species of whale.
Black and white illustration of a beached whale

An Age-Old Whale of a Tale

Researchers recently sequenced the genome of a 200 year old bowhead whale.
A Blue Whale swimming with its calf.

Good News for California Blue Whales

Researchers writing in Marine Mammal Science report that California blue whale populations have rebounded from losses inflicted by whaling.