VIDEO: Kayaker Surrounded By Killer Whales (Washington State)

AccuWeather.com ^ | Sept 08, 2015

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Kayaker experiences the rush of a lifetime when killer whales swim around and under her kayak as she paddles around the San Juan Islands in Washington.

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VIDEO: Kayaker Surrounded By Killer Whales (Washington State)

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Killer whale
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The killer whale (Orcinus orca), also referred to as the orca whale or orca, and less commonly as the blackfish or grampus, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. Killer whales as a species have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals like pinnipeds, and even large whales. They have been known to attack baleen whale calves.[11] Killer whales are regarded as apex predators, lacking natural predators.

Killer whales are highly social; some populations are composed of matrilineal family groups which are the most stable of any animal species.[12] Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, which are often specific to a particular group and passed across generations, have been anthropomorphically described as manifestations of culture.[13]

The IUCN currently assesses the orca’s conservation status as data deficient because of the likelihood that two or more killer whale types are separate species. Some local populations are considered threatened or endangered due to prey depletion, habitat loss, pollution (by PCBs), capture for marine mammal parks, and conflicts with fisheries. In late 2005, the “southern resident” population of killer whales that inhabits British Columbia and Washington state waters were placed on the U.S. Endangered Species list.

Wild killer whales are not considered a threat to humans,[14] but there have been cases of captive orcas killing or injuring their handlers at marine theme parks.[15] Killer whales feature strongly in the mythologies of indigenous cultures, with their reputation ranging from being the souls of humans to merciless killers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killer_whale

[Roman_War_Criminal]

We did this Orca boat tour in May—same spot off the San Juan Islands. The Orcas we saw were transient Orcas like these, and probably the same pod.

It was amazing and our tour guide said she was kayaking at night when they were around her.

[bramps]

We’re gonna need a bigger kayak.

[22202NOVA]

So that’s how orcas order delivery?

[Teotwawki]

Same thing happened to me. A while back I solo circumnavigated the San Juan islands in a kayak. When I rounded the southern tip of San Juan Island, I went straight across to Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island. It was very early in the morning. No other boats in sight, just me in my kayak with a pod of Orcas to keep me company as I made the crossing.

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Cool! Thanks for sharing.

Don’t know if I would have the nerve to get that close to these beasts in the daytime, let alone at night, in a tiny little vessel like that.

[REDWOOD99]

KILLER WHALES GOT TEAMS!

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Wow! Am I the only one here who hasn’t been there? :)

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San Juan Islands, Washington State...

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...that was a screen shot of the Yahoo Images search results for:
San Juan Islands washington

[Roman_War_Criminal]

She said it was one of the scariest things she’s been through. Not knowing if they were in aggressive or investigative mode.

[ken5050]

Somewhat off topic...but there are many stories of Navy pilots in WW II..shot down in the Pacific...awaiting rescue from either subs or PBYs....and dolphins would attempt to push the rafts towards islands....which were Japanese held..pilots would use their paddles to discourage the dolphins...seems dolphins do have an affinity for humans..

[Roman_War_Criminal]

I don’t believe there is one documented Orca attack on a human. Pilot Whales and Sperm Whale attacks yes...but Orca’s. I don’t believe so, but the conventional wisdom in scuba school is to get out of the water when they are around.

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I don’t believe there is one documented Orca attack on a human...but the conventional wisdom in scuba school is to get out of the water when they are around.

Right, because they don't necessarily have to 'attack' you, they can be a threat just by being inquisitive or 'playing around' with you.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

That’s true, but I’m talking in the wild with teeth involved.

[CommerceComet]

I'm not sure that I would want to be in a boat which looks like a seal from underneath when giant seal-eaters who can easily kill great white sharks are swimming around. Even if they are not being aggressive, you wouldn't want one to take an experimental bite.

I seem to recall reading once that the Inuit will take their kayaks out of the water when orca are around.

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Washington: San Juan Islands

[Mark17]

We’re gonna need a bigger kayak.

LOL. Shades of Roy Scheider? BTW, I don't think I would be real thrilled, being surrounded by a bunch of killer whales. They might mistake someone for a seal.

[proudpapa]

For the record it always rains in these parts. At least 350 days a year... Please don’t think about moving to Washington.

But if you must, contact me I know several good conservative realtors.