Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include our source, which can be found at Popular Science.
Large groups of humpback whales have been observed off the coast of South Africa, which is unusual behavior.
Scientists are perplexed as humpbacks typically feed in Antarctica at this time of year rather than socializing.
These groups contain many young whales and indicate an area of high prey concentration, though no concrete reasons are known for the sudden congregations.
Humpbacks are recovering after commercial whaling but their new social behaviors may also be influenced by climate change impacts on ocean environments.
While some theories posit the whales are sending a message about environmental threats, most experts agree more data is needed to understand this phenomenon.
