Playful Behavior

Abstract

Play activity is common among marine mammals, and can occur into adulthood. Play in polar bears consists of adults socially interacting nonaggressively, and with inanimate objects and other species (usually reported with sled dogs). Play in whales consists of imitation, bow riding of boats, causing large whales to surge ahead so dolphins can bow ride them, interacting frivolously with other species and inanimate objects, and mock-aggressive acts that appear to be performed “for the fun of it.”