INTERACTIONS
Other than prey and harassment, there are not many interactions that the killer whale has with other species of marine animals. Starting with cetaceans, the orca has been observed to prey on over different 20 species, primarily consisting of whales (blue whale, grey whale).
Second are pinnipeds (or seals), which compose a significant portion of the killer whale's diet. Although the killer whale will settle for almost any type of species, it generally consumes Antarctic seals, elephant seals, northern hemisphere seals, fur seals and the walrus. The prey handling time (amount of time it takes for the orca to efficiently consume the seal) varies from one minute to hours. Whales typically attack seals separately, although they do occasionally hunt in groups of 10 or even up to 30.
Killer whales have also been observed to interact with marine life in a non-predatory behaviour. At times the orca simply passes by the pinniped or cetacean without interest, not realising the presence of potential prey. This is usually because the whale is either occupied with another animal or uninterested.
Second are pinnipeds (or seals), which compose a significant portion of the killer whale's diet. Although the killer whale will settle for almost any type of species, it generally consumes Antarctic seals, elephant seals, northern hemisphere seals, fur seals and the walrus. The prey handling time (amount of time it takes for the orca to efficiently consume the seal) varies from one minute to hours. Whales typically attack seals separately, although they do occasionally hunt in groups of 10 or even up to 30.
Killer whales have also been observed to interact with marine life in a non-predatory behaviour. At times the orca simply passes by the pinniped or cetacean without interest, not realising the presence of potential prey. This is usually because the whale is either occupied with another animal or uninterested.