Images: Jodi Frediani/ Caters News
It’s a well-known fact that killer whales are skilled and vicious hunters who have no trouble taking on sharks, dolphins and various marine mammals. But it’s not often we get to see actual photos or footage of their well-coordinated kills.
Rare photos from the Monterey Bay Whale Watch capture the moment an unlucky dolphin encounters a hungry killer whale. After a long chase, the whale delivers a stunningly quick attack that lasts no more than a second.
The whale watchers spotted a pod of killer whales as in pursuit of a lone dolphin. Killer whales (or orcas) typically hunt in groups, closing in on their prey from multiple angles and swimming at breakneck speed.
But it’s a single mother who eventually takes down the dolphin.
At first, the dolphin tries to leap out of the way. But today just wasn’t it’s lucky day.
The cunning whale quickly pivots for a sneak attack.
She comes up close and delivers a deadly blow with her tail, sending the dolphin’s stunned body flying through the air.
It’s a common hunting trick: to protect themselves from injury during their high-speed chases, killers whales often stun their prey by ramming, head butting, tail slapping and sometimes tossing them in the air.
Ultimately, the dolphin is no match for its massive and powerful opponent. By the time it lands, it has become dinner for the whale and her calves.
Transient orcas like these are a distinct type of killer whale from the Pacific Northwest. Unlike resident orcas that prefer a fish diet and the more elusive offshore orcas, whose diet is not well-known, transients feed almost exclusively on marine creatures, including sharks, seals, and other whales.
Regardless of what they eat, killer whales are at the very top of the food chain — no other animals prey on them, and for good reason!
