When whales display agitation or potential anger, they may perform various actions. One notable behavior linked to displeasure or warning is tail slapping, also known as lobtailing.
Understanding Tail Slapping (Lobtailing)
Based on observed behaviors, a common response from whales when potentially feeling threatened, agitated, or needing to communicate displeasure is the forceful striking of the water's surface with their tail.
This behavior is detailed in the reference provided:
- Lobtailing or Tail Slapping: This involves the whale lifting its powerful tail out of the water and forcefully slapping the surface.
- Often, this is done in a belly or ventral-down position.
- If the whale rolls onto its back and slaps its tail, it's referred to as an inverted lobtail.
- Peduncle Slap: A variation where the whale uses both its tail and the rear portion of its body (the peduncle) to slap the water.
These actions create loud sounds and significant splashes, serving as a clear signal. While not exclusively tied to "anger" in the human sense, such forceful displays are often interpreted as a form of communication indicating stress, warning, or agitation within whale pods or towards other species.
