When observing killer whales, there are some typical things one may expect to see. You may see them communicating with one another or participating in a group hunt. One behavior that is rare to see, however, is belly rubbing. That’s right, the behavior that you may more closely associate with dogs can also be observed in certain killer whales as well.
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Killer Whales Caught Doing Unique Behavior
Ryan Chilibeck, a resident of Gibsons, spoke to CBC News about the incredible sight that he witnessed. When speaking to the outlet, he shared that he stumbled upon a group of Northern Resident killer whales. However, they weren’t just out and about, going for a swim.
Instead, Chilibeck noticed that they were very close to the shoreline. Not only that, but they were rubbing their bellies on the rocks as well. “Luckily enough, I just got to the right place at the right time and got an amazing show,” he told the news station.
This moment was extra special for Chilibeck as he described himself as “the world’s No. 1 orca fan.”
What’s Going On?
Jared Towers, the executive director of Bay Cetology, a research institute in Alert Bay, British Columbia, spoke to the outlet about the rare occurance. According to Towers, this behavior is very unique and not a common sight.
Additionally, he stated, “Amongst all the different killer whale populations around the world, there’s only a couple that have been observed doing this behavior.” Furthermore, Towers explained that they know exactly which whales were participating in this unique behavior. The killer whales rubbing their bellies on the rocks come from “The A5 pod, which is composed of three different families.”
So why do killer whales partake in belly rubbing? The Grey Wolf Expeditions shared several reasons why the orcas would do this. One of the reasons was for social bonding. Some experts believe that belly rubbing is a social activity that “strengthens the bonds within family pods.” Additionally, the rocks could be used for exfoliation and grooming purposes.
Furthermore, orcas have sensitive skin. Therefore, experts argue that the “tactile sensation of rubbing against the pebbles might simply feel pleasurable.” Finally, it is also seen as a possible cultural tradition. The outlet shared that “Northern resident orcas exhibit behaviors that are passed down through generations, suggesting cultural learning. Belly rubbing may be a long-standing tradition specific to these pods, deeply ingrained in their way of life.”
