Orca behavior sparks fascination: Salmon hats return to pacific waters.
A recent orca sighting in Washington’s Puget Sound has reignited interest in a peculiar phenomenon first observed decades ago: killer whales balancing dead salmon on their heads. The behavior, captured in a photograph of a male orca known as J27, or “Blackberry,” echoes a trend that briefly captivated marine researchers in 1987, CNN reports.
The image, taken on October 25 and shared by the Orca Network, shows J27 swimming with a salmon draped over his head. Howard Garrett, cofounder of the Orca Network, described the photograph as a rare glimpse into what could be a playful behavior. However, Stephanie Raymond of the Orca Network noted to CNN that no further recent sightings of “salmon hats” have been documented, casting doubt on whether the phenomenon is making a comeback.
“This is likely an isolated occurrence,” Raymond said, citing the extensive monitoring of orca pods in the region.
The behavior recalls an episode in 1987 when Southern Resident orcas, a critically endangered population, were observed balancing salmon on their heads for several weeks. The practice spread across the three family pods that comprise the group, before disappearing entirely the following year.
Marine conservationist Deborah Giles, who has studied orcas for years, suggested the behavior might be playful or social. “When salmon is abundant, orcas can exhibit such unique and sometimes inexplicable actions,” she said.
While some experts view the behavior as playfulness during times of plentiful salmon, others suggest it may serve a practical or social purpose. Giles pointed out that orcas often share food with podmates, a behavior that reinforces their strong social bonds.
“Honestly, we have no idea why this started again, why it happens or why it seems to be started again,” Giles, told New Scientist.
