Orcas
Also known as killer whales, these aggressive marine mammals are also known as sea wolves. They hunt in packs, seeking weaker animals. One morning, we happened on a family of orcas fanning out across Seymour Canal (east of the main body of Admiralty Island) in search of food.
(Above) Juveniles and parents swim together as the hunt goes on. They are part of a permanent pod, or family.
(Right) A large male has joined them for the hunt.
Finally, she pounces on a porpoise (barely visible by her mouth), stunning it before skinning it alive. She then shares her kill with the rest of the pod.
Again and again, a female orca pounces in an attempt to stun her prey, a Dall porpoise about 6 or 7 feet long.
(Right) Porpoise innards--rib cage and lungs--float on the water after the kill.
(Below) A young orca nudges dinner before taking it below the waves.
