09/25/2026
Humpback Whales have developed a unique hunting style called "bubble net feeding".
When they find a school of fish the group will dive under it. One or two of the whales will then start circling the fish while blowing bubbles. The fish will gather even closer together and start swimming upward. Once the whales have trapped the fish in a net of bubbles a signal is given and the whales rush to the surface, mouths wide open. They swallow huge amounts of fish and water.
This is not an instinctive trait, but a learned behavior.
Seagulls have learned to spot the bubbles and will wait for the feeding frenzy to begin.
Whale watchers can keep an eye on the birds to get ready for a photo op.
Taken on a whale watching excursion off the coast of Juneau, Alaska.
