A group of killer whales delighted residents on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast by swimming close to the shoreline and engaging in a unique behavior of rubbing their bellies on the rocks. Ryan Chilibeck, a resident of Gibsons, was alerted to the presence of the orcas at Secret Beach Park on January 2. Seizing the opportunity, Chilibeck hurried to witness the spectacle, describing it as an unforgettable experience.
Gathering on the beach, a crowd observed in awe as the pod of orcas gracefully glided back and forth just a few feet from the shore. Identified as northern resident killer whales (NRKW) belonging to the A5 pod, which consists of three distinct families, the whales’ behavior intrigued onlookers. This behavior is rare and specialized, with only a few killer whale populations worldwide observed engaging in such activities.
The pebbles at the beach were crucial for the orcas to carry out this behavior, with the A5 pod showing a preference for the specific spots along the Sunshine Coast. The act of rubbing their bellies against the rocks not only brings pleasure to the whales but also aids in exfoliating their skin. This behavior is unique to this particular group of killer whales, enhancing the significance of the encounter.
The local community came together over these whale sightings, with Chilibeck attributing his knowledge of the event to a dedicated Facebook group that shares whale sightings. Glenda Sewards, who manages the group, expressed joy in facilitating these experiences for the community, emphasizing the importance of everyone having the chance to witness such magnificent creatures.
Overall, the interaction between the orcas and the community highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving such encounters for future generations to appreciate.