Summary
A report suggests that the mass stranding of over 50 pilot whales in Lewis during July 2023 might have been triggered by a difficult birth experienced by one female whale. This event highlighted the strong social bonds within the whale pod, as the entire group followed the distressed whale into shallow waters where they became stranded.
Key Facts
- More than 50 long-finned pilot whales died in Tolsta Bay, Lewis in July 2023.
- A report indicated a female whale's difficult birth might have caused the group to enter shallow waters.
- The report came from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS).
- Experts believe the whales' strong social connections led them to follow the distressed whale.
- Once stranded, the whales could not return to deeper water due to onshore winds and soft sand.
- Volunteers, including the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team, tried to save the whales.
- Long-finned pilot whales are a type of large dolphin with strong social bonds.
