Increased Monterey Bay killer whale sightings

A sight to see right now in the Monterey Bay. Killer whales out in crowds for more than a week now hunting huge numbers of grey whales.

Experts have seen them out everyday since last Thursday. Creating quite a show for those setting out to sea on whale watching tours.

Nancy Black, a marine biologist for Monterey Bay Whale Watch, says the large number of orca sightings are because the whales have been able to hunt an extra large number of their favorite prey, grey whales.

“It’s kind of unusual for them to catch so many in a short period of time. I think it’s because there were a lot of mothers and calves coming through at one time” Black says. “They had an easier time of it, it’s almost like they couldn’t help catch something like that.”

Though the attack and hunting of grey whales by killer whales may seem vicious, Nancy says it’s all part of nature. That’s because killer whales are natural top predators.

“It is normal for them to hunt grey whales, to hunt seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoise. That’s what they normally hunt just like wolves, like lions, like any top predator on land” Black said.

Nancy says the increased orca activity has sparked enthusiasm for whale watching tour passengers. Many coming with hopes to see just one.

“People are really excited to see killer whales in the wild because of all the recent SeaWorld activity or captive killer whales” Black said. “[It’s] not good anymore, it’s changing and more people want to have the chance to see them in the wild.”

Though a lot of orca have been seen in the last week, Nancy says they can’t predict whether any will be seen during the weekend. They can however, guarantee a large number of humpback whales out at sea.