Whales head to the Canadian Arctic each year to 'exfoliate'
- 5 years ago
Whales travel to the Canadian Arctic each year for a spot of exfoliation, reveals new research.
The study shows that bowhead whales molt and rub on large rocks - enabling exfoliation - in coastal waters in the eastern Canadian Arctic during late summer.
Scientists say that rubbing on rocks may shed parasites and sun-damaged skin.
Most whales, dolphins and porpoises are thought to shed and replace their skin continuously.
The study shows that bowhead whales molt and rub on large rocks - enabling exfoliation - in coastal waters in the eastern Canadian Arctic during late summer.
Scientists say that rubbing on rocks may shed parasites and sun-damaged skin.
Most whales, dolphins and porpoises are thought to shed and replace their skin continuously.