When observing killer whales, there are some typical issues one might count on to see. You might even see them speaking with each other or collaborating in a bunch hunt. One conduct that’s uncommon to see, nonetheless, is stomach rubbing. That’s proper, the conduct that you could be extra intently affiliate with canines may also be noticed in sure killer whales as nicely.
Killer Whales Caught Doing Distinctive Conduct
Ryan Chilibeck, a resident of Gibsons, spoke to CBC News in regards to the unimaginable sight that he witnessed. When chatting with the outlet, he shared that he stumbled upon a bunch of Northern Resident killer whales. Nonetheless, they weren’t simply out and about, going for a swim.
As a substitute, Chilibeck observed that they have been very near the shoreline. Not solely that, however they have been rubbing their bellies on the rocks as nicely. “Fortunately sufficient, I simply bought to the correct place on the proper time and bought an incredible present,” he advised the information station.
This second was further particular for Chilibeck as he described himself as “the world’s No. 1 orca fan.”
What’s Going On?
Jared Towers, the chief director of Bay Cetology, a analysis institute in Alert Bay, British Columbia, spoke to the outlet in regards to the uncommon occurance. Based on Towers, this conduct may be very distinctive and never a typical sight.
Moreover, he said, “Amongst all of the completely different killer whale populations all over the world, there’s solely a pair which have been noticed doing this conduct.” Moreover, Towers defined that they know precisely which whales have been collaborating on this distinctive conduct. The killer whales rubbing their bellies on the rocks come from “The A5 pod, which consists of three completely different households.”
So why do killer whales partake in stomach rubbing? The Grey Wolf Expeditions shared a number of the explanation why the orcas would do that. One of many causes was for social bonding. Some specialists consider that stomach rubbing is a social exercise that “strengthens the bonds inside household pods.” Moreover, the rocks may very well be used for exfoliation and grooming functions.
Moreover, orcas have delicate pores and skin. Due to this fact, specialists argue that the “tactile sensation of rubbing towards the pebbles may merely really feel pleasurable.” Lastly, it is usually seen as a attainable cultural custom. The outlet shared that “Northern resident orcas exhibit behaviors which are handed down by generations, suggesting cultural studying. Stomach rubbing could also be a long-standing custom particular to those pods, deeply ingrained of their lifestyle.”