Search results
People also ask
Where do orcas live?
Are Orcas a dolphin?
Are Orcas a killer whale?
Where can I see orca whales?
Jan 13, 2023 · According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), most recent data, there are approximately 50,000 orcas alive today, and they are mostly found in colder waters. This includes the surrounding waters of Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska, with some being found between California and Russia, and a few in tropical and ...
The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale that is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. It is the only extant species in the genus Orcinus. Orcas are recognizable by their black-and-white patterned body. A cosmopolitan species, they are found in diverse marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to ...
- Entanglement
- Lack of Food
- Contaminants
- Oil Spills
- Disturbance from Vessels and Sound
Killer whales are at high risk of becoming entangled in fishing gear. Once entangled, whales may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances or be anchored in place and unable to swim. Events such as these result in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury, which may ultimately lead to death.
Overfishing and habitat loss have decreased the amount of prey available to some killer whales. Without enough prey, killer whales might experience decreased reproductive rates and increased mortality rates. This threat is especially important for Southern Resident killer whales because some populations of their preferred prey, Chinook salmon, are ...
Contaminants enter ocean waters and sediments from many sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, sewer outfalls, and pesticide application. Once in the environment, these substances move up the food web and accumulate in top predators, such as killer whales because of their long lifespan, position at the top of the food chain, and blubber stor...
The 1989 Exxon Valdezoil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska, was strongly correlated with the direct loss of individual killer whales. However, oil spills can also have an indirect impact on killer whales by affecting the abundance of prey species. In addition, the bioaccumulation of certain contaminants, like those found in oil, such as polychl...
When vessels are present, killer whales hunt less and travel more. Noise interference from vessels, as well as from industrial and military activities, interrupts killer whales’ ability to use sound, which in turn disturbs their feeding, communication, and orientation. Increased vessel noise causes Southern Resident killer whales to call louder, ex...
- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Cetacea
(Learn more about the unique culture of killer whales.) Hunting and diet. Though they often frequent cold, coastal waters, orcas can be found from the polar regions to the Equator.
Orcas (killer whales) in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Watch on. Ten facts about orcas (killer whales) Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family. A male orca can be nearly 33 feet (10 meters) in length and weigh around 22,000 pounds (10,000kg). Orcas are highly intelligent and able to coordinate hunting tactics.
Orcas are found in all of the oceans of the world, but most commonly in the Arctic, Antarctic and the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Canada and the USA. They are big travelers, and have been known to travel up to 2,000 km. Orcas establish a hierarchy system. led by females, within their very large pods.
Nov 3, 2023 · Orcas are not only the largest members of the dolphin family, but also the most intelligent and social marine mammals. Learn more about their amazing adaptations, hunting strategies, and complex communication systems in this encyclopedia entry from National Geographic Society.