Whaling was discontinued in 1972 because of decimated local stocks and poor markets for the meat, which was typically sold to fur farms. Mature adult males, which are generally larger than females, can weigh as much as 3 tons. At birth, calves weigh slightly over 200 lbs. The are born after a pregnancy of 16 months, and are weaned at around 20 months of age. Even when being driven ashore by whalers, they would stay together as a group.
Groups typically contain animals of both sexes and many different ages.
The males may compete for breeding privileges, forming a hierarchy that excludes smaller males. Large assemblages may also be composed of smaller, close-knit groups which are stable over time. Pilot whales are some of the noisiest whales in Newfbundland waters. Their group structure requires social communication, and they orient to prey objects by echolocation. Vocalizations include a wide variety of whistles and clicks.