Humpback Whales Have Been Revealed To Make And Use Their Own Tools

Together with apes, crows, and humans, scientists think that humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) should be acknowledged as one of the few non-human tool users. The ability of humpbacks to make their own tools—”bubble nets” in particular—and modify them to fit their requirements is what makes them unique. The whale uses these bubble nets, which are blasted from its blowhole, to trap and seize krill, which is its main food supply.

A recent study conducted by researchers in Southeast Alaska highlights the skill with which humpback whales manipulate their bubble nets to optimize their food intake. By attaching non-invasive suction-cup tags and using drone videography, the team gathered an array of data showing how these whales intricately control the size, depth, and ring patterns of their bubble nets. “These whales can gauge the size of a krill swarm and fine-tune their bubble blowing to maximize their catch,” says Professor Lars Bejder, co-lead author of the study and Director of the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This behavior enables them to capture up to seven times more prey per dive, all while conserving energy.

Co-author William Gough describes the foraging behavior as “wholly unique,” with few people ever witnessing these incredible feeding strategies in the wild. The flexibility and intelligence humpback whales display in crafting their bubble nets place them in a unique class of animals capable of creating and using tools.

Despite their success, humpback whales continue to face threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. However, their ingenuity gives researchers hope. As Andy Szabo, co-lead author and Executive Director of the Alaska Whale Foundation, puts it: “Their behavioral flexibility and ingenuity will hopefully serve them well as our oceans continue to change.”