In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at the University of British Columbia have identified a new population of killer whales, known as ‘oceanics’, exhibiting unique hunting behaviors in the vast open ocean. This group of 49 orcas, observed from 1997 to 2021, has been found to prey on formidable predators such as sperm whales, elephant seals, and dolphins, far off the coasts of California and Oregon.

The findings, detailed in a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Aquatic Mammals, shed light on the oceanics’ distinct hunting strategies and varied prey, challenging our understanding of orca predation. Co-author Andrew Trites, a professor at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, emphasized the uniqueness of this group, potentially related to the transient type but marked by distinct traits absent in other populations.

Key to identifying these orcas as a possible new group were their unique physical marks, including cookie-cutter shark bite scars and distinct patches on their fins and saddles. These features, alongside their hunting behaviors, suggest a life spent predominantly in the open ocean, unlike their coastal counterparts. The study also recounts a remarkable 1997 encounter where approximately 35 killer whales coordinated an attack on a herd of sperm whales, showcasing their strategic prowess and predation capabilities on large marine mammals.

The discovery of the oceanic killer whales opens new avenues for research and raises questions about the broader ecological impacts of their hunting practices. As scientists, including study lead Josh McInnes, seek to gather more data, there is hope that further insights will shed light on the behaviors, diet, and migratory patterns of these enigmatic creatures. This finding underscores the vastness of our oceans and the continuous revelations they hold, emphasizing the importance of ongoing exploration and conservation efforts to protect these magnificent animals and their habitat.