2023-10-29 07:33:49
Scientists say that orcas, or killer whales, are dangerous in the sea and are becoming more dangerous. The scientists said this following evaluating the new orcas’ aggressive behavior. Orcas are quick learners. It was news from the animal world that they overturned boats and started brutally hunting other kinds of whales, including blue whales.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, can reach lengths of 23 to 32 feet and weigh up to 6,000 kilograms. These are mammals. Orcas are the largest group in the dolphin family (Delphinidae), a member of the cetacean group. Pilot whales also belong to this group.
Orcas are among the most powerful predators in the ocean. They are instantly recognizable in the ocean due to their black and white appearance. Although they live in colder regions, they are also found in places near the equator.
Orcas hunt in groups that feed on many sea creatures. There can be up to 40 orcas in a hunt. A variety of fish, penguins, seals, sea lions and sometimes even other whales swim in front of them and become food. They have a great ability to bite seals out of the ice with their four-inch long teeth. In March 2019, video footage of 75 orcas hunting a blue whale in the sea near the Australian coast went viral around the world.
Orcas are perfect social creatures. All the females take care of the children in the family. Other younger female orcas will help with this. It is estimated that a female orca becomes pregnant every three to ten years. Pregnancy lasts up to 17 months. A child is born in childbirth. Baby orcas can stay with their mother for up to two years following birth. Some leave the family and join other groups.
A group of orcas hunting a whale (file photo)
Orcas, which are highly intelligent creatures, also show this ability in hunting. Their manner of ambushing and subduing even larger creatures is reminiscent of wolves on land. Children learn the lessons of hunting and eating from the elders of the family. They communicate with each other by making special cries.
Like dolphins, they are used by humans in aquariums and other recreational activities. But zoologists say that orcas will not live long like this. Swimming more than 50 kilometers a day and diving from 100 to 500 feet, they do not get these conditions in artificial habitats. Experts say that when this happens, they get stressed and try to injure themselves.
Tilikum is the most famous of the orcas who were imprisoned in this way. Tilikum became infamous for killing two trainers. Tilikum’s story is told in the 2013 documentary Blackfish. According to the documentary, Tilikum became cruel to humans due to the hardships and mental stress he faced during his detention.
There are regarding half a million orcas in all oceans around the world. They frequently get caught in fishing nets and the like. They are hunted in Greenland, Japan, Indonesia, Caribbean Islands and Russia.
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