A Humpback Whale Displays Scars on its Skin (IMAGE)

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A Humpback Whale Displays Scars on its Skin

Caption

A humpback whale displays scars on its skin after being freed of entangled fishing gear, which it trailed during its entire migration from the Bering Sea (off Alaska) to Hawaii. The bacteria residing on skin of this and other entangled or deceased whales were found to contain fewer core members and more potential pathogens than the healthy animals. Image and sample taken courtesy of Edward Lyman, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA's Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, Permit #932-1489.

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Amy Apprill

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Amy Apprill

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