A group of killer whales surprised residents on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia by swimming near the shore and engaging in a unique behavior of rubbing their bellies on the rocks. Ryan Chilibeck, a Gibsons resident, was alerted to the presence of the orcas at Secret Beach Park on January 2 and quickly went to witness the spectacle.
Witnesses gathered on the beach in awe as the pod of orcas swam close to the shore, exhibiting the behavior for about 20 minutes. Identified as the northern resident killer whales (NRKW) A5 pod, the group consists of three different families, according to Jared Towers from Bay Cetology.
This behavior of rubbing their bellies on the pebbles is rare among killer whale populations worldwide. Towers explained that the pebbles on the beach must be suitable for the whales to engage in this activity, and the A5 pod specifically favors the ones on the Sunshine Coast.
The act of rubbing against the rocks serves a purpose for the whales as it helps in exfoliating their skin. Towers mentioned that killer whales have active skin that constantly sheds, and the friction against the rocks aids in the exfoliation process.
The community on the Sunshine Coast connects over these whale sightings, with enthusiasts like Chilibeck being thrilled by the experience. Glenda Sewards, who runs a local Facebook group sharing whale sightings, aims to provide opportunities for everyone to witness these majestic creatures.
The group was created over a decade ago by Sewards after she spotted whales from her Langdale deck. She finds joy in seeing the community come together and get excited about observing these magnificent marine mammals.
