Posted in Science and other Hands On activities
Do you know why Orca's got the nickname Killer Whale?
Because they actually kill other whales! There are three different types of killer whales and each of them has a different social and eating behaviour.
Transient killer whales are the type of whale that kills other whales. They feed on a variety of marine mammals like dolphins, whales, seals and sea lions.
Resident killer whales feed on fish like salmon and the third type of killer whales called the Offshore killer whales eat fish as well.
Beach rubbing is a social behavior that is common among many pods of orcas but not all. According to many researchers this behavior is exclusive to the northern community of resident orca.
One of the most important areas for studying and researching Killer whales is in the Johnstone Strait on the north east portion of Vancouver Island which is also home to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and one of the best known rubbing beaches in the area.
Rubbing beaches have shallow waters with pebble beaches that the whales come and skid along or roll on rubbing their bellies and sides along the pebbles. Researchers are not exactly sure what the significance of beach rubbing is but it is thought to help remove parasites and excess dead skin. Another reason is it just might feel REALLY good *grin*
Blessings,
BChsMamaof3
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