About killer whales
The
Killer Whale or
Orca (Orcinus orca) is the oceanic dolphin family's largest species (
Delphinidae). It is found in all the world's oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to warm, tropical seas.
Orcas are
opportunistic and versatile predators. Some populations mostly
feed on fish, while other populations
hunt marine mammals, including
sea lions,
seals, and even
large whales. There are up to
five distinct Orca types, some of which may be separate subspecies or even species. Orcas are highly social animals; some populations are composed of
matrilineal family groups which are
the most stable of any animal species. The sophisticated hunting techniques, social behaviour, and vocal behaviour of the
Killer Whales have been described as manifestations of culture.
Although Killer Whales are not an
endangered species,
some local populations are considered threatened or endangered due to depletion of prey species, pollution, habitat loss, conflicts with fishing activities and vessels and whaling. Wild Orcas are usually not considered a threat to humans. There have, however, been isolated reports of
captive Killer Whales attacking their handlers at
marine theme parks.