Dear Colleagues,
My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that our new publication is now available online:
McInnes, J.D., Buckmaster, J.N., Cullen, K.D., Mathieson, C.R., & Tawse, J.P. 2020. Intentional Stranding by Mammal-Hunting Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in the Salish Sea. Aquatic Mammals, 46(6), 556-560.
The publication is available through the following link DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.6.2020.556.
Summary: We share and describe the first documented event of Bigg's (transient) killer whales (Orcinus orca) intentionally stranding while hunting harbour seals in the Salish Sea. This high risk form of foraging behaviour has only been previously observed in Southern Hemisphere populations. In addition, this form of foraging is highly risky and dependent on prerequisite knowledge and specific beaches with cobble or sand substrates. Our observations involve a family of six mammal-hunting killer whales (in 2016) known as the T065As.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for details or questions.
Josh D. McInnes, BSc Biologist
Transient Killer Whale Research Project
Victoria BC, Canada
transientproject@gmail.com