On World Wildlife Day, we"re in the ice-cold waters around the Norwegian island of Spildra with a pod of orcas, also known as killer whales. These apex predators are at the top of the food chain with a diet that includes a smorgasbord of sea creatures including fish, penguins, and even sharks and whales. They hunt in pods, family groups of up to 40 individuals that work together using special hunting techniques sometimes likened to packs of wolves. Despite their scary name, they almost never attack humans and there are no documented cases of wild orcas killing anyone. The name "killer whale" is thought to come from Spanish sailors who saw groups of them hunting big whales. Orcas are also the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family, Delphinidae.
Killer whales in Spildra, Norway
Today in History
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Life in the slow lane
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Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
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A triumph of light
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Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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The ‘Night of Nights’
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In Apia Harbor for Samoan Independence Day
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Today is World Refugee Day
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Mountains fit for a queen
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A misty morning in Brazil
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Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
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National Park Week begins
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International Day of Light
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National Frog Month
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What kind of bird laid these eggs?
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Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, England
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World Art Day
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Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
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Here s looking Atchafalaya
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Let’s celebrate
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Welcome to El Cervantino
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Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok, Croatia
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Dog days of summer
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Celebrating World Art Day
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Kangaroo family for National Hugging Day
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Polar bear capital of the world
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Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
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Bavljenac Island
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Autumn in the cypress swamp
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Happy Boxing Day!
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World Bee Day