Orca news, features and articles
Latest about Orcas
Photos: Drone Reveals Killer Whales
By Tia Ghose published
A tiny drone has captured stunning images of a killer whale pod, revealing which whales are pregnant and malnourished.
Killer Whales Learn How to Speak Dolphin
By Laura Geggel published
Killer whales are known for their haunting songs consisting of complex whistles and clicks, but they can also learn "dolphin speak," a new study finds.
Killer Whales Bully Lone Blue Whale in Rare Video
By Nina Sen published
Incredible video shows a gang of orcas attacking a lone blue whale off the coast of California.
Killer Whale Populations Took Deep Dive During Ice Age
By Denise Chow published
Killer whale populations around the world may have suffered steep declines during the last Ice Age, when food for these top predators may have been scarce, a new study finds.
Stealth Mode: Killer Whales Go Dark to Stalk Prey
By Tia Ghose published
Killer whales that feed on marine mammals may passively listen for the sounds of their prey and then strike in complete darkness, new research suggests.
Puget Sound Orcas To Remain on Endangered List
By Gayathri Vaidyanathan published
The killer whales of Puget Sound are one of a kind.
DNA Sheds Light on Rare Killer Whale Type
By Megan Gannon published
A scarcely seen type of orca is likely a distinct subspecies or species, researchers say.
How Killer Whales Boosted Porpoise Echolocation
By Megan Gannon published
Harbor porpoises likely evolved high-frequency sonar clicks to avoid orcas.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.