Most often when humpback whales do their slapping they are nose down or hanging in the water. They may slap in an anterior or posterior position (belly or back) and either way it is loud. As with orca tail slapping humpbacks can be heard underwater by other whales many miles away so it may be used for communication or remove a build up of parasites and barnacles from the tail. The reason is interesting and the photos can be sensational.
A favorite
The end of September and the grizzlies are looking ready for hibernation. They have added the necessary body fat to survive the winter but are still coming to the area of the viewing stands for another meal. The fat bears are selective in what they eat, mostly eggs and belly fat while other are after the whole salmon. This grizzly was one of the selective feeders and more interested in a viewing platform of clicking cameras than food. Glen, one of our guides, provided this photo.
