Dangerous Animals Part Two Killer Whales

Killer Whales or also known as Orcas, are a toothed whale that belongs to the Oceanic dolphin family. Orcas are the largest of the dolphin family and one of the most powerful predators.  They are found in all oceans, from the Antarctic to the Artic regions to tropical regions. Orcas have a diverse diet feeding on; fish, other marine animals such as sea lions, walrusses and even other whales. They have been known to pull seals straight off the ice and into the water. Orcas are known as apex predators because they don’t have any natural predators.  There are three to five types of killer whales that may be distinct enough to be considered different races ,subspecies, or possibly even species. Three different types of Orcas have been spotted; Resident, Transient and Offshore Orcas.

Orcas are also a social species, living in large groups and hunting in groups and pairs. They have sophisticated vocal behaviours and hunting behaviours. They aren’t actually considered a threat to humans, however they have been known to kill their marine handlers at water park, there was one fairly recent.

Killer whales distinctively bear a black back, white chest and sides, and a white patch above and behind the eye. Calves are born with a yellowish or orange tint, which fades to white. Killer whales have a heavy and robust body (more so than other dolphins)[38] and a large dorsal fin up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. Behind the fin, they have a dark grey “saddle patch” across the back. Antarctic killer whales may have pale grey to nearly white backs. Adult killer whales are very distinctive and are not usually confused with any other sea creature