A strange phenomenon is happening off the coast of the Iberian Peninsula: endangered orcas are attacking and sinking boats. While it hasn’t been determined what exactly is causing these coordinated attacks, some researchers speculate that “one orca had a traumatic encounter with a sailboat and has taught others in the pod how to attack.” These […]
Tag: Orca
Melting Arctic sea ice is changing bowhead whale migrations, study finds
A population of bowhead whales living in the western Arctic has long followed the same migration patterns. But new research suggests that climate change and the subsequent melting of sea ice are altering their movements, raising concerns about the future impacts on these whales and the Indigenous populations reliant on them for nutrition and cultural […]
Orcas Have Sunk Three Boats in Europe and Seem to Be Teaching Others to Do The Same
In a series of astonishing events off the Iberian coast of Europe, orcas, also known as killer whales, have been engaging in unprecedented behavior by attacking and sinking boats. These encounters have left sailors puzzled, and researchers intrigued. In this article, we will delve into the recent incidents, explore the possible reasons behind this behavior, […]
Horror injuries of SeaWorld trainer killed by orca – scalp torn off and severed spine
Dawn Brancheau loved all animals and felt a special affinity to the majestic and stunning orcas. For 15 years, the 40-year-old had lived out her dreams and was working with orcas at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Being a trainer at the world famous attraction was something she had dreamed of since she was a child […]
Kiska, The ‘World’s Loneliest’ Orca Dies in Theme Park in Canada
Kiska, the last captive killer whale in Canada, died late on Friday in a theme park called MarineLand, the Ontario government announced. MarineLand is a theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Kiska was captured in Icelandic waters in 1979, and she died when she was 47 years old. MarineLand said that Kiska’s health had declined […]
Orca Mom Adopts Pilot Whale Calf and Takes Baby Under Her Fin
In August 2021, scientists recorded a first-of-its-kind event in the animal kingdom. An orca, known as “Sædís,” was spotted swimming alongside a long-finned pilot whale calf in the west of Iceland, and scientists realized she was actually caring for the calf. This is the first time scientists have documented an orca nurturing and taking care […]
Southern resident orca pod falls to lowest number in 46 years
Only 73 southern resident orcas that live along the coast of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia remain as of July 1, according to the latest census from the Center for Whale Research. In the last year, three whales died—K21, K44 and L89. Meanwhile, two calves were born in February and April. The census found the […]
First Evidence of Orcas Hunting and Eating Great White Sharks Seen in Drone Footage
Frequent readers of CNET Science will remember Port and Starboard, the duo of killer whales from a story we published in June, which detailed research showing great white sharks were being hunted by the whales off the coast of South Africa. New aerial footage, released on Monday, shows one member of the murderous pair — […]