Killer Whales Could Be In Bay
For A Fortnight

Wednesday, November 15, 2006
NEW ZEALAND - A pod of orcas has been spotted in Hawke's Bay waters. The orcas, or killer whales, were sighted from Westshore and Bay View throughout yesterday.

Department of Conservation programme manager John Adams said the pod could stay in Hawke Bay for up to two weeks, or they could simply be passing through.

Orcas are spotted in Hawke Bay about two to three times a year.

Mr Adams said up to seven orcas had been sighted, with the whales moving close to shorelines for feeding. But locals shouldn't be concerned.

"There was once a time when people feared for their lives," he said.

"There are no recorded attacks on humans that I'm aware of. They are more interested in seals and stingrays.

"They are a beautifully marked animal, sleek, very impressive to watch in the water," he said.

Killer whales seldom reach the surface of the ocean at the same time, so spotting a pod is rare. They tend to drift in coastal and deep oceanic waters. They are quick swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 48km/h when hunting prey. They move in pods of between four and 60 whales, and are social predators who can tackle even the blue whale. Humans are orcas' only enemy.

Source: The Hawkes Bay Today