Pilot whales recorded along Great Australian Bight found to be mimicking predators’ calls

Researchers working at the Great Australian Bight have discovered that long-finned pilot whales can mimic the calls of their predators, which may help them to stay alive while they stealthily scavenge.

Curtin University lead author Rachael Courts said the five-year study revealed surprising findings.

“This mimicry may be a clever strategy employed by the whales to disguise themselves from predators including killer whales,” Ms Courts said.