Killer Whale Tales

It was not the first appearance of orcas in our waters off Point Loma in September and probably not their last. These Eastern Tropical Pacific killer whales, Orcinus orca, a transient ecotype, visited in 2023 and 2024 and may be back a time or two this winter. Traveling in pods of varying sizes up from their home off the coast of Mexico (the latest group numbered about 15), they are here on a hunt for food—some favorites being marine mammals including other species of whales, whale sharks, spinner dolphins, as well as sea turtles, and fish.

They differ from their northern cousins, the resident Pacific Northwest orcas, sporting more barnacles and copepods-small crustaceans-on their fins, darker saddle patches behind their dorsal fins and they are silent hunters.

These highly intelligent beings with a life span of 30 to 90 years have mastered the art of the hunt. They are strategic and work as a team. Up to 32 feet long and weighing up to 11 tons, they are armed with a serious set of 50 teeth and a cruising speed up to 30 miles per hour. They know how use their abilities and wit to out-run prey, jump on the top of larger mammals and hold them under water drowning them. Thus they are known as “killer whales” not because they are whales but because they are whale killers. (There are no known reports of a wild killer whale harming a human.) They have also perfected bumping and tail slapping techniques to herd smaller marine animals and fish into compact areas. Lunch!

Though there are no guarantees on the whims of the orcas this winter, keep a sharp look out to the west for orca dorsal fins that can be as tall as 6’. Plus they are curious and can be playful around boats— a good vantage place to possibly spot a pod.