/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/17/15/1715973c-8cc5-4c32-8abb-35c063bf0302/gaping.jpg)
🔬 Science
May 18, 2026 at 02:00 PM
Humpback Whales Sometimes Hold Their Mouths Open for No Clear Reason. Tourists Are Helping Scientists Understand the Rare Behavior
Source:
Smithsonian Magazine
Researchers are using tourist-contributed photos and videos to understand why humpback whales sometimes hold their mouths open, proposing reasons like communication and play.
humpback whales
whale behavior
marine science
citizen science
animal discovery