The Whale Scientists: Solving the
Mystery of Whale Strandings
by Fran Hodgkins

    THE WHALE SCIENTISTS by Fran Hodgkins
    Category:  Non-Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  11/12/07
    Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin
    Reviewed by:  Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Whale strandings are, unfortunately, a very real problem.  In 2002 alone, the Cape Cod Stranding Network
    responded to 296 strandings, including one mass stranding.  So what, exactly, causes whales to become
    stranded on the beach?

    Scientists and marine biologists have no clear-cut answers, but they have several theories.  Hearing damage,
    confusing geography, magnetic attractions, illness and injury, toxins, and instinctual whale behavior all seem to
    play a part in causing whales to strand.  Whales, by nature, are pod mammals, and their very reluctance to leave
    an injured or sick member of their pod very often leads to mass strandings.  Fishing nets and the hunting of
    whales also seems to play a part in confusing these gentle creatures.

    There are several agencies throughout the United States -- and the world -- who work diligently to rescue those
    stranded whales who wash up on shore alive.  For those who are already dead, or who die quickly after being
    stranded, necropsies (autopsies on animals) are performed to determine not only the cause of death, but to help
    in prevention of further strandings in the future.

    THE WHALE SCIENTISTS is an informative look at a widespread problem that is perfect for either a
    classroom library or those who are looking for an in-depth look at whale strandings.