Observations of Newborn Pacific Gray Whales on Mexican Calving Grounds

Abstract

Many newborn Pacific gray whales were observed in the Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon Lagoon), Baja California del Sur, Mexico, between 27 January and 4 February 1962. The greater number of these were observed swimming in the company of adults and as carcasses on or near the beach. Six of the carcasses were examined and measured; the smallest (12 ft 10 inches total length) and the largest (17 ft 8 inches) were females, the remainder were males. One live, stranded bull calf was found and examined. Postfetal characteristics, parasitism, predation and some aspects of allometric growth are discussed.