Whales can remove some dead skin and barnacles through surface activity such as breaching, according to Meynecke, but sand rolling also plays an integral role – especially in removing barnacles.

Humpback whale spotted “kelping” with “kelp patty” off CA coast and researchers believe they do this behavior to help remove parasites from skin, a group said.

A massive humpback whale thrilled visitors in Monterey Bay, CA, with an hour-long tail display, likely to remove barnacles or communicate, group said.

Humpback whale spotted “kelping” with “kelp patty” off CA coast and researchers believe they do this behavior to help remove parasites from skin, a group said.

A massive humpback whale thrilled visitors in Monterey Bay, CA, with an hour-long tail display, likely to remove barnacles or communicate, group said.

Humpback whale spotted “kelping” with “kelp patty” off CA coast and researchers believe they do this behavior to help remove parasites from skin, a group said.

A massive humpback whale thrilled visitors in Monterey Bay, CA, with an hour-long tail display, likely to remove barnacles or communicate, group said.

Humpback whale spotted “kelping” with “kelp patty” off CA coast and researchers believe they do this behavior to help remove parasites from skin, a group said.

A massive humpback whale thrilled visitors in Monterey Bay, CA, with an hour-long tail display, likely to remove barnacles or communicate, group said.

Humpback whale spotted “kelping” with “kelp patty” off CA coast and researchers believe they do this behavior to help remove parasites from skin, a group said.

Humpback whale spotted “kelping” with “kelp patty” off CA coast and researchers believe they do this behavior to help remove parasites from skin, a group said.