#ca51s

[acetheticallynice]

The social structure of Bigg’s killer whales differs from the tight-knit pod structure found in resident populations. Bigg’s killer whales tend to travel as a matriline—a female and her offspring. (DolphinDroneDom)

[acetheticallynice]

CA51s transient orcas off of the California coast. Because they hunt mammals, the optimal number of whales in one group is about 3-7 individuals. This structure allows them to effectively hunt while keeping detection by their prey to a minimum. (DolphinDroneDom)

[acetheticallynice]

One of the CA51s Bigg’s killer whales off the California coast. Able to take down Steller sea lions weighing in at over 1100kg, with canines similar to that of a Grizzly bear, these orcas are a feared predator among other marine mammals. (DolphinDroneDom)

[respectanimalrights]

© 🎬 @orcawatcher2 Four killer whales! CA51s, the "Friendly Pod", headed up the coast today. My favorites. #killerwhales #Ca51s #friendlypod #savetheorcas🐳 #respectourwildlife #OceanOptimism https://www.instagram.com/p/BoZsOyFhfB9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15ylhgk1j3bu1

[californiatransients]

4/1/16 - The CA51 brothers, CA51B Orion and CA51C Bumper, were seen traveling with the CA140′s and CA163 Liner. Mother CA51 Star and younger sister CA51D Comet were not seen, but believed to be in the nearby area. 

First two photos: older brother CA51B Orion.

Second two photos: the CA140′s (Emma’s pod) and CA163 Liner.

Bottom photo: younger brother CA51C Bumper sporting some fresh rakes on his left eyepatch.

Photos by Katlyn Taylor [x]

[volk-morya]

Comet and the Rest by The Law of the Claw on Flickr

[blackfishsound]

CA51s, photographs by Slater Moore.

[blackfishsound]

CA51s off of Laguna Beach, photographs by Slater Moore.