Fisherman Spots Pod Of Killer Whales In Gulf Of Mexico

Tuesday, August 3, 2004
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - A local fisherman was treated to a rare sight over the weekend - a pod of killer whales out in the Gulf of Mexico, KRIS 6 News reported.

Scott McCune spotted the mammals about 75 miles east of Port Aransas and was lucky enough to have his video camera with him.

"When we got up on them and the first time one got up out of the water, that was so exciting," he said.

McCune said he first spotted the baby whales, then the larger adult whales that came right up to the boat.

Killer whales are rare in the gulf because the water is so warm. The whales, identifiable by their distinct black bodies with white markings, prefer colder ocean waters.

Tony Amos at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas said finding killer whales in the Gulf of Mexico is difficult, but not impossible.

Last time they were spotted here was in January.