Are Orca Serial Killers of the Sea?
Orca are one of the world’s most beloved and awe-inspiring creatures. Also called killer whales and wolves of the sea, Orca aren’t whales at all. They’re porpoises, the largest members of the dolphin family. While they’re often feared for their size and power, Orca can also be quite gentle. Some of their behaviors, such as rubbing their bellies together, have even been described as kissing. So, why would some researchers compare them to serial killers?
Hold that thought a moment.
Orca
Orca are easily recognizable by their black and white coloring and iconic dorsal fin, typically weigh between 5,000 and 6,000 pounds, and can reach lengths of 32 feet. Incredibly intelligent animals, some studies suggest they may even be self-aware. Pods are complex social groups, ranging from a few individuals to forty or fifty strong. These incredible animals communicate through a variety of high-pitched calls and whistles, and travel in tight-knit family units. Orca are apex predators. Meaning, they sit at the top of the ocean’s food chain with no natural predators. Their diet includes fish, seals, sea lions, squid, and even large whales. Much like wolves, our planet’s ecosystems depend on Orca to maintain a healthy balance of marine life. Because the sea impacts our forests, Orca play a vital role in our environment—every member of the Natural World acts as one link in the chain of life, including us.
Orca v. Serial Killers
Serial killers are some of the most dangerous and reviled criminals in the world. Why then, would anyone compare the majestic Orca to the worst of society? The commonalities may exist due to Orca’s varied and efficient hunting strategies, and their striking black and white pattern allows them to blend into the dark depths of the ocean.
Also, Orca use their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to take down prey. Even the babies take part in the hunt. Though their predatory behavior is shocking and disturbing, they’re surprisingly selective in their killings.
In recent years, researchers observed Orca targeting certain types of prey, rather than randomly attacking all marine animals. This study suggests Orca may have a sense of morality—the ability to distinguish good from bad—and target those animals they deem bad.
This behavior rivals the behavior of serial killers. Serial killers tend to select specific types of victims—women, children, the elderly, the vulnerable, and those they deem worthless to society—rather than randomly killing anyone who crosses their path. Which some (not me) may read as a sense of twisted morality. They also have an intense need for control, hence why they’re drawn to hunting, overpowering prey, and killing.
On a more sinister note, both Orca and serial killers engage in acts of brutality and extraordinary violence.
Both Orca and serial killers inflict fear and terror in their respective habitats. Orca employ often-lethal attacks on species of whales, dolphins, sharks, and seals, while serial killers also use brutal and deadly tactics. Neither show any mercy.
Serial killers are some of the most notorious criminals, and the media often paints them as the ultimate villain. Orca are one of the most feared predators in the ocean. Both have unique behaviors that fascinate and terrify us. From the way they stalk their prey to the way they use their environment to assist them in their pursuit, Orca and serial killers share some common traits. One similarity is their use of stealth and cunningness to stalk prey. Orca have the ability to remain undetected and time their attacks with precision. Serial killers use stealth to stalk their victims, also using the environment to surprise their victims.
Another similarity is their use of manipulation.
Orca manipulate their environment with a variety of tactics, such as creating loud noises to scare prey away or blocking the prey’s escape route. Serial killers also use manipulation to gain control over their victims, often using psychological tactics like charm and intimidation.
Finally, both Orca and serial killers have a single-minded focus on their prey. Orca are relentless hunters, pursuing their prey until capture or until the hunt exhausts the prey. Serial killers also have a single-minded focus on their victims, often stalking them for months or even years before taking action. This single-minded focus make both Orca and serial killers dangerous.
Orca do kill in a way that some may consider serial.
In one case, a pod of Orca attacked and killed a gray whale calf over a period of several weeks. In another case, an Orca was observed killing and consuming several seals over a period of days. Have you heard how some pods attacked great white sharks? They learned how to employ tonic immobility.
What is Tonic Immobility?
Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal, similar to hypnosis. It occurs in a variety of different species, including many sharks and rays. This trance-like state can occur naturally or it can be induced in sharks and rays by stimulating the tiny sensory pores located on their snout.
Orca figured out that if they flip a great white shark on its back, they enter tonic immobility in less than one minute. This state subdues the shark—their breathing becomes deep and rhythmic—while the lead Orca cuts one clean incision above the liver and sucks out the organ. A great white shark’s liver is full of nutrients that the alpha freely shares with its pod. They employ similar tactics on stingrays by holding the prey in their mouth and flipping upside down. Genius!
Differences
Unlike serial killers, Orca are one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring creatures of the sea. These powerful marine mammals are known for their intelligence, strength, and agility, and they have been a source of fascination for humans for centuries, with their the ability to learn and adapt. They can even be trained to perform tricks in captivity—cringe—and in the wild where they belong, they’ve helped fishermen catch fish.
In addition to their impressive and powerful physical capabilities, pods have distinct cultures, with dialects and call types all their own, and pass down knowledge and skills from generation to generation (like crows). While they’re often viewed as fearsome predators, they’re intelligent, social, highly adaptable animals.
What Orca aren’t is evil.
So, should Orca be considered serial killers of the sea? The short answer is no. Orca have a natural instinct to hunt and kill their prey, but they don’t possess the same psychological motivations as serial killers. While wild Orca don’t pose a risk to humans, they should still be respected and treated with caution.
On a somber note, Orca face threats from human activities like overfishing, pollution, and poaching. Some tuna hunters find it easier to kill Orca than free them from fishing nets. Because of the vital role they play in our oceans’ ecosystems, they deserve our admiration, respect, and protection. So, the next time you’re out on the water, take a moment to appreciate these amazing animals for their incredible intelligence and beauty.
Exciting News!
@suecoletta Woohoo! I’ve been dying to hold my book baby, Unnatural Mayhem. #bookishlife #indieauthors #mayhemseries #suecoletta #booktoker @suecoletta @suecoletta ♬ original sound – Sue Coletta
If you’re pressed for time, the gist is this. I bought back my rights to the Mayhem Series. How does that benefit you?
- Quicker releases. Book 6 is at my editor’s now and I’m already working with my cover designer. Book 7 is also done and can release shortly after Book 6.
- Ebook and paperback will release on the same day! I may even publish in hardcover.
- I lowered the prices of the entire Mayhem Series, including the paperbacks.
- As soon as the narrator’s contract ends for Wings of Mayhem, I’ll look into producing my own audiobooks.
- A happy writer has busy fingers. These books are pouring out of me faster than I can type!
- More importantly, with full control over the series, I can ensure YOU stay happy. That’s the main reason I did it. Because without you, dear reader, all the hours spent at the keyboard wouldn’t be worth it.
I also created my own imprint. Check out the logo. LOL Is anyone surprised by the name?
If you enjoyed this post, please share. Thank you!
Sue Coletta
Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs on the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers"), Writers Helping Writers, and StoryEmpire. Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her backlist includes psychological thrillers, the Mayhem Series (books 1-3) and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction. Now, she exclusively writes eco-thrillers, Mayhem Series (books 4-9 and continuing). Sue's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her murder of crows, who live free but come when called by name. And nature feeds her soul.
20 Comments
June Roberts
Congratulations Sue! This greater control will make things easier/better for you and your great readers 🙂
Sue Coletta
Thanks, June! That’s exactly why I did it. My readers deserve quicker releases, and the delays were only getting longer.
sherry fundin
I agree. They are just animals doing what they are created to do. Not so with a serial killer. Even if they are a psychopath, they still know the difference between right and wrong.
sherry @ fundinmental
Sue Coletta
Exactly, Sherry. Otherwise, they wouldn’t feel the need to cover up their murders.
Mae Clair
I’ve never heard of Tonic immobility before. How interesting. I do agree that orcas hunt and kill because it’s a natural instinct.
Congratulations on getting the rights back for your Mayhem Series. It sounds like you’ve got great things planned. And I love the new imprint. And no, the name and image doesn’t surprise me, LOL.
I’m wishing you all the best, Sue. Onward!
Sue Coletta
Thanks so much, Mae! I’m super psyched about my newfound freedom!
Gwen M. Plano
Fascinating, Sue. I’ve only thought of Orcas as awe-evoking creatures. Years back I spotted a pod off the waters of Alaska. Pretty amazing. Welcome back to the blog world. 😊
Sue Coletta
Thanks, Gwen! Feels good to be back. 😀
I would LOVE to see a pod of Orca! Lucky you.
Cecilia Marie Pulliam
Interesting post and timely for me. I have received a request to paint a Washington State lighthouse with Mt. Rainer in the backgound and a pod of Orcas in the bay in front. It will be a fun project and research is always a part of it. You provided part of it for me today. 🙂
Sad to see some people attach human attributes, like serial killers, to God’s creatures. They behave as they were created, even if we don’t understand the violence the predators display. It does make me thanful that we are at the top of the food chain (usually ;))
Sue Coletta
My thoughts exactly, Cecilia. It’s unfair to attach human labels to animals, yet the trend continues. *sigh*
Glad I was able to help with your research! Orca contine to amaze me. I would LOVE to see a pod!
Staci Troilo
Welcome back to the blogosphere (says the girl who also disappears for long stretches of time). And congratulations on getting back your rights to Mayhem. Looking forward to faster releases!
Orca are fascinating, beautiful creatures. I didn’t realize they were called (misnamed) serial killers of the sea. Your comparisons got me thinking… they seem to hunt in pods and alone. I know most serial killers hunt alone. Did you ever research/blog about serial killing duos or groups? I’d be interested in your take on that. (And I’m too busy to research it on my own right now.)
Great post, Sue.
Sue Coletta
Thanks, Staci! It’s such an exciting time in my author life. Just got the cover for book 6, and it’s awesome! Definitely one of my favorite covers so far.
Yes, I did write a post a while back on serial killer duos. I also wrote one on serial killer families. Let me see if I can link them.
Staci Troilo
Oooh. Can’t wait to see the cover. And thanks for the links!
Garry Rodgers
Great article, Sue, and I’m so happy for your next writing and publishing phase. And I love the imprint name and logo!
I think I told you I’m a life-long, tidal water boater including some time operating commercial whale watching craft here on British Columbia’s Pacific coast. I’m always thrilled to encounter Orcas (no one says killer whales out here.) We have two subspecies – residents and transients. Our southern resident pod in the BC Gulf Islands and the US Puget Sound region are at 86 animals right now and they’re exclusively fish eaters – primarily Chinook (King or Spring) salmon because of this fish’s size and more-meal-for-less-effort.
The residents have a unique language – when you hear them on the hydrophone, they sound like the squeal of a badly-tuned radio. Once a year, the southern residents pilgrimage to join the northern residents to do porpoise stuff (right – they’re not whales) including exchanging genes. They’re higly playful and often interact with boats. I’ve had them right up to the stern where the kids touched their snouts.
The transients – now these guys are your serial killers. They communicate in clicks much like that African tribe you see on documantaries. They are exclusively meat eaters – seals, sea lions, sharks, and whales. They have a huge range and venture worldwide but always hunt in packs, not like the residents that’ll often go off for a solo. BTW, the residents and the transients never intermingle – they can’t communicate or cross breed but are biologically identical. Go figger nature.
Sue Coletta
Nature is amazing, indeed! Then it must be the northern pods that have breached the Arctic, hunting narwhals and beluga whales. The research tore my heart out. I love belugas. They’re so playful and cute. The Orca hunt was just plain vicious. Killed me to watch it. But…I had no choice. Shawnee had to feel the emotional impact of climate change in the Arctic.
CS Boyack
Hey, stranger. Glad to see you back here. Sounds like you’re doing very well. One of my biggest thrills involved getting to see a pod of orcas when I was in Alaska. Kind of a big deal for this old desert rat.
Sue Coletta
Hey, you! Yeah, things have been crazy for the last few weeks, from renegotiating my contract (which failed) to buying back my rights and learning the ins and outs of Indie publishing. But I’m back! Now I need to work on time management. 😉
Sue Coletta
Meant to add: I would LOVE to have that experience in Alaska!
Margot Kinberg
Congratulatoins on getting your rights back, Sue! I love the idea of being that empowered. I hope it’s really successful (although I”m sure it will be!). And thanks for sharing the truth about orcas. I’ve always thought they were magnificent animals.
Sue Coletta
Thank you, Margot! Empowered is the perfect word for how I’m feeling.
I included Orca in Mayhem #7, so I studied them at length and fell in love. <3