It was a huge wound in her right side from just in front of the dorsal ridges down the side of the peduncle for at least two feet. The wound was white with lots of lice around it. From the left side it looked like a chunk had been taken from her back. The wound did, however, appear to be on the mend. Because the gray whale migrates close to shore, it is more likely than other whales to get these types of injuries.
Some injuries are minor.
It appears that something has been taking bites out of it. It does this by attaching itself to its prey with its suctorial lips, and then spins to cut out a cookie-shaped plug of flesh. Copyright 2001 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.