Gray whales are fascinating creatures known for their coastal habits and extensive migrations. They spend summers in colder waters and winters in warmer regions, traveling approximately 16,000 kilometers annually.
These whales are relatively slow swimmers, with a maximum speed of about eight kilometers per hour. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes before surfacing. White spots on their skin are parasites.
A recent video captured off the coast of California showed two male gray whales engaging in what appeared to be playful behavior. The footage, taken in April 2025, shows the whales rubbing against each other.
Domenic Biagini, from Gone Whale Watching, noted the interesting and entertaining behavior. Experts suggest this behavior might be related to increased testosterone levels during environmental changes.
Gray whales are not monogamous, and multiple males may mate with a single female during a reproductive season. This 'sperm competition' leads to high testosterone levels in males, aiding in competition.
Leigh Torres from Oregon State University believes the video shows the whales 'exploring' and preparing for mating. More than 1,500 species are known to engage in same-sex behavior, including various whale and dolphin species.
Gray whales, weighing up to 45 tons, undertake one of the longest annual migrations among mammals. They travel from the warmer waters of Baja, California, to Alaska. This behavior is more common during the end of the feeding season when whales are nearing the end of their migration south.