"Researchers May Have Discovered A New Whale Species"

"After encountering a “friendly group of beaked whales,” scientists realized they may have found a previously unknown species."

"Researchers believe they have found a previously unknown species of beaked whale in waters off Mexico’s western coast. If confirmed, the new species would mark a significant discovery among giant mammals.

The team of researchers came upon three unusual specimens while tracking a different, rare species of typically shy beaked whales on Nov. 17 near Mexico’s remote San Benito Islands, about 300 miles south (500 km) of the U.S. border.

“These animals popped to the surface right next to the boat,” said Jay Barlow, a marine mammal biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego."

Cassandra Garrison reports for Reuters December 12, 2020.