K is for Killer Whale

Since G was dedicated to great white shark, I thought it'd be appropriate to make K for killer whales.

                                                           

Also referred to as Orca, the Killer Whale, is considered one of the worlds most powerful predators. The name "Killer Whale" isn't derived from killing humans. Instead, it stems from the orca killing other whales.

                                                                      

These mammals are carnivores and hunt in deadly pods that use effective hunting techniques parallel to wolf packs. They use sound to communicate within their pod.  In my opinion, it would seem, the orcas living in the wild in the pods is key to their survival, not just physically, but mentally, too.

                                                     

Unlike great white sharks, killer whales are extremely protective of their young. In fact, other female adolescent whales assist the mother in taking care of her young. Mothers give birth every 3 to 10 years after a 17-month pregnancy. Holy cow! That's a LONG time to be preggers.

                                                                 

Killer whales breathe through a single blowhole on top of their head and hold their breath under water. The average orca eats 500 pounds of food a day and have up to 45 teeth, shaped for ripping bigger prey while they usually swallow smaller prey whole. Talk about a belly ache!

                                                               

Technically, killer whales are considered dolphins. They can grow up to 30 feet in length and weigh six to eight tons. Their size can be compared to a bus. In the wild, the average life span ranges 50 to 60 years for males and up to 90 years for females.

                                                                        



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