WhaleSETI: Curious Humpback Whales Approach Humans and Blow Bubble “Smoke” Rings Newly documented behavior in a recently published paper by SETI Institute and UC Davis team members may offer insights into nonhuman intelligence—and help shape the search for...
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WhaleSETI: Curious Humpback Whales Approach Humans and Blow Bubble “Smoke” Rings Newly documented behavior in a recently published paper by SETI Institute and UC Davis team members may offer insights into nonhuman intelligence—and help shape the search for life beyond Earth. PRESS RELEASE DATE June 5, 2025 CONTACT Rebecca McDonald Director of Communications, SETI Institute rmcdonald@seti.org ONLINE Press Release/Images https://tinyurl.com/2amsk55d Bubble ring created by a humpback whale named Thorn Credit: © Dan Knaub, The Video Company June 5, 2025, Mountain View, CA -- A team of scientists from the SETI Institute and the University of California at Davis documented, for the first time, humpback whales producing large, smoke ring-like bubble rings during friendly interactions with humans. This previously unstudied behavior may represent play or communication. Humpback whales are already known for using bubbles to corral prey and creating bubble trails and bursts when competing to esco
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