Visitors of the large marine mammals have become more frequent.
In recent years, killer whales – also known as orcas, have been seen several times in Denmark. The large beautiful marine mammals have become more frequent in Danish waters.
Killer whales are most often observed from the beach at Skagen. Perhaps because there are many birdwatchers with binoculars here.
It is believed the name killer whale derives from their original name “whale killers” given to them by sailors who saw them hunting whales. In Danish the killer whale is named “spækhugger” meaning “lard stealer”. Their Latin name, Orcinus orca, also reflects this observation of killer whales feeding on large whales.
The killer whale is the world’s largest dolphin with a global population of approximately 50,000. It is found in almost all the world’s oceans.
The largest males can weigh 10 tons and be 9.8 meters long. Their dorsal fin can be 1.8 meters long.
Did you know that 19 species of whales have been registered in Danish waters?
Killer whales are generally not aggressive towards humans
There have been very few documented cases of killer whales attacking humans in the wild (no fatalities), and these were most likely a result of the animal feeling threatened or mistaking a human for prey.
The age is up to 80 years for females, while males can be up to 60 years old. The species can swim up to 54 kilometers per hour.
The killer whale’s food consists of, among other things, baby whales, seals, fish and seabirds.