Scientists have captured mysterious images of an orca resident on the coast of Washington state (northwestern United States) who was recently seen with a dead salmon in the head.
The phenomenon was first documented in 1987, when whales from three different groups were seen carrying salmon on their heads, as a human wears a hat.
But the scientists They never understood why, and experts are still speculating as they reflect on this recent incident, documented last October.
The director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, Andrew Tritessays that there is no obvious reason for this behavior, in statements reported by Canadian radio and television. CBC.
“Maybe it’s to impress another member of the group.”Trites ventured to CBC Radio West guest host Brady Strachan. “Maybe they just like the smell of dead fish,” he continued.
“Young animals are likely to do it and it’s something that others can pick up and do because they are very good at imitating… in the same way that young children do.” They can learn tricks from others, sometimes with the disapproval of their parents,” adds the expert.
Trites added that it would not be for takeout, because the salmon would not be safe. Furthermore, the orcas They have other ways of carrying food, such as under the pectoral fin.
The recent sighting occurred in Puget Sound, Washington, on October 25. The person who saw it took a photo and sent it to Orca Network, a non-profit organization that tracks whale activity.
Howard Garrettco-founder of Orca Network in 2001, said that while the behavior is a mystery, he believes it is a form of communication. Although not a marine biologist, Garrett has a degree in sociology and has been observing orcas since 1981.
“Orcas are the most socially linked who knows science; they remain in their families and their extended families throughout their lives,” says Garrett.
“They are completely social, so it is some type of social communication. And what it indicates is that They are using the fish as a kind of symbol. A symbol of what, I don’t know,” he asks.
Both Trites and Garrett believe the behavior could be related to the abundance of fish in the area.
“Maybe it was a celebration because There are so many fish around that you can play with them,” they say. “Here we have some animals that are playing with their food. That tells me that they must have a full belly and free time,” the experts conclude.
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