Right Whale Characteristics Adult right whales are 44 to 55 feet long and weigh 45 to 55 tons. Females are slightly larger than males. Right whale habitat is found throughout the continental shelf of the east coast of North America. Blubber makes up about 40 percent of their body weight. Due to their high percentage of body fat, right whales spend long periods of time on the surface, resting, socializing and feeding.
Right whales are unaware of vessels, particularly when engaging in feeding or sexual activity.
They will not move out of the way of oncoming vessels. They often travel in small groups that may be dispersed over an area of several miles. Their direction of movement is often unpredictable.