Killer Whales

Killer Whales

  Killer whales are the largest of the dolphin and the apex predator of the oceans. They are over 20 feet long and can weigh more than 6 tons. But they are not the biggest predator. Sperm whales are more than 60 feet long and weigh more than 50 tons. Sperm whales dive thousands of feet deep to feed on large and giant squid that live there. 

  The killer whales are found in every part of the world oceans and seas and feed on a wide range of different prey. They are extremely efficient predators. They have teeth are very large and extremely strong. When the large mouth snaps shut the teeth are spaced to fall into their gaps in the top and bottom jaws creating a powerful cutting action. Small animals are swallows whole. Bigger animals can be cut in half. And large whales can have large chunks taken out of them. Killer whales are one of the fastest animals in the ocean. They can keep up their speed over a long period of time running down their prey. 

   

  Killer whales depend sound for navigation, searching for prey, and communicating with each other. When sound is used for communicating with each other with in a group they use the same sophisticated calls. They are very intelligent they can be trained in captivity. Killer whales in the wild and captivity show individuality, problem solving, inquisitiveness, and playfulness. They teach their calves how to hunt for dangerous prey animals using specific skills and techniques some of which are very complex. 

  The best known killer whales by science live in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of North America. There are three different independent groups of killer whales that never interact with each other. The best known groups of killer whales called resident killer whales. They reside coastal waters of the northeast Pacific will eat only fish and some squid. The second group is call transients killer whales. They travel along the west coast of North America from Alaska to California preying on marine mammals including grey whales and their calves. The third group is called offshore killer whales. They are the least known. It is believed these killer whales travel far into the North Pacific Ocean feeding on large schools of fish, marine mammals, and sharks. Killer whales in the wild as have never been known to kill a human. 

  Killer whales live in complex stable social structure base on matrilineal family groups. They use sophisticated hunting methods and behaviors and then pass them on to the next generation. Some biologists believe this is a culture whales live within. Different groups of killer whales live in different parts of the ocean feeding on different prey using different methods. They all live in different cultures using different vocal behaviors unique to that group.