Orcas Wearing 'Dead Salmon Hats': A Trend Revived After 37 Years? | WPN World People News

The ocean's apex predator, the orca (also known as the killer whale or blackfish), demonstrates its high intelligence through its hunting techniques, which have led to the establishment of complex social structures. Orcas even exhibit various peculiar behaviors that seem strikingly similar to those of teenagers. Recently, in a bay in Washington State, USA, an astonishing sight was captured: an orca surfacing with a "dead salmon" perched on its head, resembling a quirky "headpiece." The sight left witnesses deeply astonished!

Deborah Giles, Research Director of the nonprofit organization Wild Orca, noted that as early as the 1980s in Puget Sound, a female orca was observed with a dead salmon draped over its head. At the time, this behavior spread like wildfire among the orca pods in the area, and within six weeks, three groups were participating in the trend. This imitative behavior lasted about a year.

Naomi Rose from the Animal Welfare Institute explained that following trends is inherent to orcas, especially younger ones. She suggested that wearing a "salmon hat" might simply be for their own amusement, as it's hard to find another explanation. However, she also noted that such trends tend to emerge and disappear quickly. Andrew Trites, Director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, stated that there’s no clear reason why orcas engage in this behavior. It could be to entertain their companions, a fondness for the smell of dead fish, or just playful mischief.

Some researchers, however, speculate that the recent resurgence of this behavior could be linked to an overabundance of fish in estuarine ecosystems, meaning orcas aren’t concerned about a lack of food. As a result, the "retro-style dead salmon hat" trend has made a comeback.