Transients attack porpoise(s) and seal
near San Juan Island, April 16, 2008
photo by Dave Ellifrit. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
A Dalls Porpoise is tossed by a Transient Killer whale.
photo by Adam U. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
A Transient Killer whale bursts out of the water while chasing a Dalls porpoise.
photo by Adam U. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
A Dalls porpoise is barely visible in the massive splash created by a Transient Killer whale as it lunges after it's prey.
photo by Adam U. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
A harbor seal looks directly at the researchers as a Transient Killer whale glides effortlessly behind the stricken animal.
Encounter #07
April 16, 2008
Transients
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 12:21 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 12:41 p.m.
Begin Lat: 48° 29.75 N
Begin Long: 123° 11.54 W
End Encounter: 4:40 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 26.98 N
End Long: 123° 01.27 W
Observers: Dave Ellifrit and Adam U.
Dave Ellifrit and Adam U encountered T49A, T49A1, T49A2, T49B, T49B1, T36A and T36A1 traveling eastbound across Haro Strait April 16, 2008, heading towards the west side of San Juan Island. From a distance Dave and Adam observed a transient catch and consume what is believed to be a Dalls porpoise. Shortly thereafter, a dramatic attack on a second Dalls porpoise was photographed (see above). Following the attack on the Dalls porpoise(s), the transients then swam south towards Eagle Point where they caught and consumed a Harbor seal
http://www.whaleresearch.com/thecenter/Encounters_2008_007.html