How to Feed Gray Whales

Have you ever tried feeding something that is bigger than a boat? Gray whales are huge mammals that are approximately 45 feet in length and weigh more than 30 tons, according to the American Cetacean Society. They swim along the Pacific coast of North America. For most of the year, they are located in the Arctic, but they migrate near Baja California, Mexico to mate. They feed on small crustaceans that live the ocean floor. If you're on a boating adventure, you can dump buckets of them overboard to try to feed them. If you're an experienced sailor with your own boat, sail to them directly. If you aren't experienced or do not own a boat, purchase tickets to commercial whale watching boats.

Things You'll Need

  • Crabs
  • Shrimps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the coasts of Baja California, Mexico during December through February for the gray whales. The head is approximately 10 feet long and body is approximately 30 feet long. With the use of binoculars, you should be able to spot the head and body are visible from the shore. They look like a small and big hill in the distance.

    • 2

      Search for newborn calves. Newborn calves are dark gray to black in color. They travel with their mothers during migration. As the calves are smaller, they are more likely to eat food thrown above sea level.

    • 3

      Sail near the area where you spotted the whales. Use caution, as they can tip over the boat because of their size. If you aren't an experienced sailor, ride commercial whale watching boats. Whale watching and feeding is a tourist attraction in the area; purchase tickets with a local vendor.

    • 4

      Pet the sides of the gray whale. Gray whales that approach the small boats are usually friendly. They let humans interact with them.

    • 5

      Throw buckets of small crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs near the gray whale. Although gray whales normally feed from the ocean floor, the crustaceans could get trapped in the baleen plates. Baleen plates are located near the whale's upper jaw. The plates spread out like fingers inside the mouth to trap food, which is later swallowed.