One technique is called ‘wave washing’ and is used on prey found in Antarctic waters. Pods find ice floes with seals atop them and begin to create waves that break the ice into smaller pieces. Eventually, the seal or seals are washed off of the ice and into the mouths of the pod members waiting on the other side. Another technique used in more temperate areas is called ‘beaching.’ Orcas chase seals and sea lions towards beaches and catch them before they can reach the shore. They are quite clever in their execution of beaching, as they have to do so without beaching themselves. They will time their attacks so that they coincide with the tides, so if they do end up being beached, it won’t be for
One technique is called ‘wave washing’ and is used on prey found in Antarctic waters. Pods find ice floes with seals atop them and begin to create waves that break the ice into smaller pieces. Eventually, the seal or seals are washed off of the ice and into the mouths of the pod members waiting on the other side. Another technique used in more temperate areas is called ‘beaching.’ Orcas chase seals and sea lions towards beaches and catch them before they can reach the shore. They are quite clever in their execution of beaching, as they have to do so without beaching themselves. They will time their attacks so that they coincide with the tides, so if they do end up being beached, it won’t be for