Scientists are using the dogs in the Puget Sound region of Washington, USA to find killer whales. The researchers are investigating clues as to how much water has been contaminated in the area.
Sam Worthers of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington decided to find a killer whale shark in the sense of a dog's smell, given that it is hard for humans to find it.
"He has a color similar to that of sea water and smells like salmon," he explained. The stool also floats and sinks with the sea water. Even in this complicated situation, dogs can smell the killer whales stray far away.
Unlike on land where dogs can walk or run and find their source of smell, Worthers are on a boat and trainer who can read dogs' signals.
When the dog sends a signal, the trainer drives the boat. The signal is a very fine nose movement. "Dogs have a way to move their noses and send signals," Worse said.
Worcester began studying killer whale feces since 2007. Scientists are studying whether orphans and hormones found in the samples experienced voluntary abortions or killer whales died at birth.
According to Worcester, 66% of the killer whales suffer pregnancy and childbirth problems. Worther says, "The killer whale lacks food. If you do not eat enough food, you will have difficulty getting pregnant. "
