Orcas in Gulf of California Use Unique Hunting Technique to Aid Juveniles
In the Gulf of California, orcas have been observed using a novel hunting technique to break apart giant sunfish into smaller pieces, potentially to aid juvenile feeding. This behavior, documented by researchers, involves coordinated efforts where one orca holds the sunfish while another rams it at high speed, causing the fish to shatter into thousands of pieces. The technique was observed in two separate events, more than a year apart, and is believed to help younger orcas feed more easily. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology, suggest that the behavior may also be a form of play, as orcas are known to engage in playful interactions with their prey.