Humpback whale “Chompers” has returned to the Southern California coast with a new calf, marking a continuation of consistent humpback activity near Newport Beach. According to Newport Landing & Davey’s Locker Whale Watching, the pair was observed feeding alongside hundreds of dolphins, contributing to nearly two weeks of frequent sightings of well-known female humpbacks and their offspring in the region.
Tracking “Chompers” and Regional Whale Sightings
The whale known as “Chompers” is a recurring visitor to Southern California waters. First catalogued by the Cascadia Research Collective in 1991 while feeding in the Santa Barbara Channel, she has been documented by researchers ever since. Newport Landing & Davey’s Locker Whale Watching reported that she has appeared off the coast of Southern California almost every year since 2017, with three of those times bringing along a new calf.
The humpback earned her distinct moniker due to a specific behavior: lifting her head above the surface and snapping or “chomping” her jaws. Researchers identify individual whales like Chompers and her peer, “Chris,” by photographing the underside of their tail flukes, which is as unique as thumbprints are to humans.
“Chris” and the Return of Known Females
Chompers is not the only notable humpback currently frequenting Orange County. The whale identified as “Chris” has also returned to the coastline with a new calf named “Snow Christal.” Whale watching teams noted that the pair frequently stopped during their journey to breach and play.
“Chris” is a familiar presence to local observers, as she is the mother of “Snowflake,” a calf born during the 2016-2017 season. According to reports from Newport Landing & Davey’s Locker, not since Snowflake’s sighting in 2017, have they seen the marine mammal with a new calf. The activity is attributed to the productive feeding grounds currently available along the Southern California coast, which continue to attract these marine mammals.
Did you know?
An adult female humpback whale can weigh up to 40 tons and be as long as 50 feet. Despite their massive size, they are frequently observed feeding in close proximity to smaller marine life, such as the hundreds of dolphins seen alongside Chompers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do researchers identify individual humpback whales?
Researchers identify humpbacks by photographing the underside of their tail fins, or flukes, which is as unique as thumbprints are to humans.
Why are so many humpbacks being spotted in Newport Beach?
According to Newport Landing & Davey’s Locker, the sightings are due to the productive feeding grounds located off the Southern California coast.
How long have researchers been tracking “Chompers”?
Chompers was first catalogued in 1991 by the Cascadia Research Collective. Researchers have documented her whereabouts ever since.
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