Some aboriginal populations hunt small numbers of whales for food and cultural purposes. It was reported that gray whales migrating northward past the Channel Islands off California last year had to run a gauntlet of orcas that were probably targeting calves that strayed too far from their mothers or weak, sick adults. All whales are mammals, and they have sensory organs like us. Humpback whales seem to be curious and will approach boats. Gray whales are quite mellow in their southern calving grounds.
Researchers believe that whales have a highly evolved sense of hearing, using a range of sounds.
Toothed whales are noted for their echolocation abilities. So, all whales can be said to be sensitive in many ways. We read about this in a book. A. Poachers would probaby set out to kill whales for their blubber and baleen or teeth, but it was probably an accident that the whales sank to the bottom. In many cases, gases will build up in the body of the dead and decaying whale, causing it to rise to the surface.