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The tactic worked initially, but the orcas adapted quickly and split into groups. [140] In other anecdotes, researchers describe incidents in which wild orcas playfully tease humans by repeatedly moving objects the humans are trying to reach, [141] or suddenly start to toss around a chunk of ice after a human throws a snowball. [142]
The nudging, biting and ramming attacks concentrated on the rudders of medium-size sailing vessels sailing at moderate speed, with some impacts on the hulls. A small group of orcas were believed to be responsible, with three juveniles which have been named black Gladis, white Gladis, and grey Gladis identified as present for most attacks.
Both species live in groups of 10–30, but some groups may number 100 or more. Data suggest the social structures of pilot whale pods are similar to those of "resident" killer whales. The pods are highly stable and the members have close matrilineal relationships. [3]
The IUCN reported in 2008, "The taxonomy of this genus is clearly in need of review, and it is likely that O. orca will be split into a number of different species or at least subspecies over the next few years." [3] However, large variation in the ecological distinctiveness of different orca groups complicate simple differentiation into types. [4]
Dolphin meat is high in mercury, and may pose a health danger to humans when consumed. [17] Ringed seals were once the main food staple for the Inuit. They are still an important food source for the people of Nunavut [18] and are also hunted and eaten in Alaska. Seal meat is an important source of food for residents of small coastal communities ...
Many whale watching organizations throughout the region target the orcas, including resident and transient groups, and often work with nonprofit organizations like the Center for Whale Research and The Whale Museum to promote orca conservation. Native American tribes and First Nations throughout the area hold the whales in high regard.
The research vessel Noctiluca of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in close proximity to an orca. The southern resident orcas, also known as the southern resident killer whales (SRKW), are the smallest of four communities of the exclusively fish-eating ecotype of orca in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
The matriarch orca leads the pod (group of 3–9 orcas) in splitting the herring school into a smaller more manageable group. The orcas then circle the herring forcing them into a ball shape. [3] The diameter of the tight ball can range anywhere between two and seven meters. [4] During this period the orcas are highly vocal including clicks [5 ...