LOS ANGELES, CA – Orcas, more commonly found in the waters around Mexico, have been making a rare journey north to the Southern California coast this holiday season. This has brought about a series of bloody and carnivorous hunts that have captivated whale watchers. The sightings began on Dec. 11 and have been observed off the shores of numerous locations, including the Channel Islands, Santa Monica Bay, Los Angeles, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Diego.
The spectacle began with a particularly gruesome event near the Palos Verdes area on Dec. 11. An orca head-butted a bottlenose dolphin 20 feet into the air, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. According to reports, the orcas also killed and ate two common dolphins during the same period. The tour agency, Pacific Offshore Expeditions, recounted these incidents.
The pod of orcas, which seems to include about 10 killer whales, has continued its deadly streak with multiple attacks on dolphins and sea lions in the weeks following. The orcas are identified as Eastern Tropical Pacific killer whales, typically found in the waters between the Mexican border and the equator. Although known as killer whales, they are, in fact, the largest members of the dolphin family.
The orcas’ unusual presence in Southern California has led to a surge in whale-watching activities, with tour agencies and marine enthusiasts expressing awe and surprise at the unprecedented level of activity. The appearance of the orcas in this region may lead to further exploration of their behaviors and activities in these new hunting grounds, as they continue to display their carnivorous nature.
The orcas’ presence in the region has also raised concerns about their impact on the local marine ecosystem and endangered species. This influx of orcas has prompted a closer examination of their interactions and behavior in these waters, and the findings may provide valuable insights into the behavior and movements of these apex predators. The appearance of the orcas may also spark discussions about marine conservation and the protection of vulnerable marine life in the region.
The orcas’ arrival in Southern California has brought a rare and alarming series of carnivorous hunts to the coast, with significant implications for the local marine ecosystem and conservation efforts. Their presence has prompted widespread interest and concern among marine enthusiasts and researchers, shedding light on the fascinating and complex nature of these apex predators and their impact on the marine environment.