The Science Life Animals

Humpback whale bumps have marine biologists stumped

An acne-like condition on their skin has researchers worried

humpback whale

Humpback whales are looking thinner and bumpier than they used to.

NOAA

By Lesley Evans Ogden

- More than 2 years ago

Off the Kohala coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, Christine Gabriele spots whale 875. The familiar propeller scar on its left side and the shape of its dorsal fin are like a telltale fingerprint.