Post #3048359
2025-08-03 15:04 UTC
Seals. Sea lions. Gray whale calves. Even sunfish. The humpbacks showed up, placed themselves between predator and prey, used their massive fins to shield the victims, and sometimes physically lifted them out of the water.
And then? They left. No food. No reward. No obvious benefit.
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Replies (1)
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@paninid@mastodon.world 2025-08-03 15:04
Some scientists believe this behavior started as a protective instinct – evolved to defend their own calves – and is now being applied to any creature in distress. Others think it may point to complex social awareness or empathy in humpbacks, something we’re only beginning to understand. As one researcher put it: “It’s almost as if humpbacks just don’t like bullies.” (4/6)