March+MEB

March 31

Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of the dolphins and one of the world's most powerful predators. They feast on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even whales and sharks. With teeth that can be four inches (ten centimeters) long. They are known to grab seals right off the ice. They also eat fish, squid, and seabirds. Killer whales hunt in deadly pods, family groups of up to 40 individuals and are almost the size of a bus. Orcas are immediately recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white coloring and are the intelligent, trainable stars of many aquarium shows. Killer whales have never been extensively hunted by humans. There is also more than on type of killer whale.

[|swfsc.noaa.gov]

march 31

 Contrary to what its name implies, the false killer whale is not directly related to the killer whale. However, as with the killer whale, it is also not a whale but a large member of the dolphin family. It is often referred to as 'blackfish' with similar species such as the pygmy killer whale, melon-headed whale, and pilot whale. it is a fast moving energetic animal, not shy of boats. It is active and playful, often surfacing with its mouth open revealing its teeth. They are highly social and form strong bonds and are known to breach, lobtail, and porpoise while swimming energetically in pods of 10-60 individuals. Sometimes they will join together with other pods and create superpods of hundreds of animals.



[|animal-kid.com]