It was a slow swimmer, produced large amounts of oil and baleen, and it floated after it was harpooned. These characteristics made the right whale a favorite target for whalers. Scientists estimate that between 200 to 300 right whales may be left in the western North Atlantic population. Other populations of right whales are found along the South African coast and along the coast of Argentina. These populations of whales apparently do not mix with each other.
Right whales are so rare that many people fear that they are doomed to extinction.
They are among those protected by the Endangered Species Act. Achieving a length of 60 feet and weight of up to 100 tons, right whales are magnificent beasts. The whales can also be recognized by white, crusty growths on their heads called callosities. They also have no dorsal fin. Right whales have been seen swimming along the surface of the ocean with their mouths open to catch food.