The California gray whale is a large marine mammal known for its long migrations. These whales can grow up to 50 feet in length and weigh around 40 tons. They are primarily found along the Pacific Coast of North America, migrating between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and breeding areas in Baja California. Gray whales are unique for their bottom-feeding behavior, using their baleen plates to filter small organisms from the ocean floor. They are known for their distinctive gray coloration, often marked with white patches. The species is currently listed as a conservation success story, having recovered from near extinction in the 20th century.