Habitat
Orcas, also called killer whales, live all over the world. They live in all oceans, especially in the colder areas. Large numbers of orcas live in coastal waters of northwestern North America, northern Norway, Japan, Iceland, and Antarctica.
Diet
Orcas eat fish, squid, and mammals such as dolphins, seals, and whales. Different groups of orcas may eat different animals. In the ocean near northwestern North America, orcas eat mainly salmon and other fish.
Movement
Orcas travel in groups called pods. Pods can have from two to more than twenty orcas. The usually include several females and their young. Each pod communicates with its own set of underwater sounds.
Description
Orcas belong to the dolphin family. They have distinctive black and white coloring. They have glossy black backs and are white underneath. They have a white oval patch near each eye. Males have a dorsal fin on the back that stands up 6 feet tall. Females have shorter dorsal fins.
The largest male orcas can be 27 feet long and weigh up to 10 tons. Females are usually a little smaller.
The largest male orcas can be 27 feet long and weigh up to 10 tons. Females are usually a little smaller.
Enemies
Orcas do not have any real enemies in the animal world. Occasionally sharks will attack orcas, but it is very rare.
Orcas are not usually hunted by humans, but sometimes they are killed because of pollution or oil spills. Sometimes they have trouble finding food because fishing boats have caught many fish and their are not enough left for the orcas.
Orcas are not usually hunted by humans, but sometimes they are killed because of pollution or oil spills. Sometimes they have trouble finding food because fishing boats have caught many fish and their are not enough left for the orcas.