orka

A new study presented a method to reconstruct killer whales’ diets using the lipid composition of their blubber. By measuring these lipids, called fatty acids, in the killer whales’ fat and those in their potential prey, scientists can estimate the abundance of each prey species in the whales’ diet. >> read more …

The Canadian federal government is bringing back a list of seasonal measures to protect the endangered southern resident killer whales — and adding a few more. >> read more …

ABOARD THE SOUNDGUARDIAN, Puget Sound — Over the side it goes with a splash: three ears pricked for the sounds of orcas, and the noise that threatens their survival. >> read more …

Amid social media criticism of the capture and slaughter of an Orca, one of the fishers who caught the creature on Tuesday has defended the action. Sylvester Cyris, alias ‘Teraflex’ told St Lucia Times he knew what the critics had been saying. But he declared that people have to eat, especially these days. >> read more …

By counting their scars and when they got them, scientists are unlocking new insights on killer whale social dynamics. >> read more …

Learn the latest on endangered Southern Resident killer whales with Dr. Megan Wallen, a marine mammal specialist in NOAA Fisheries West Coast Protected Resources Division. >> listen to the podcast …

Footage captures a huge killer whale leaping with excitement following a boat. Tourists on a fishing trip off the Gulf of California cheered the marine mammal each time the orca launched itself from the water. >> read more …