Summary
Researchers observed killer whales in the North Pacific using kelp to rub against each other, likely for social bonding or skin health benefits. This behavior was documented using drones, highlighting the whales' use of kelp as a tool in what seems to be a form of grooming.
Key Facts
- Killer whales in the North Pacific use kelp to rub against each other, which researchers call "kelp massage."
- Drones were used to record this behavior among Southern Resident killer whales off Washington State's coast.
- The whales select and bite off kelp and then use the seaweed to rub on another whale.
- Scientists think this behavior might help with skin health or serve as social bonding.
- This behavior could be similar to allogrooming seen in primates, where animals groom each other.
- Researchers observed this activity multiple times over 12 days, seeing at least one pair of whales engaging in the behavior each time they used a drone.
- The study is published in the journal Current Biology and suggests this could be a unique tool use in marine mammals.
- The research is part of a long-term study of a threatened killer whale population that began over 50 years ago.
