When we think of orcas, who also go by “killer whales” (Orcinus orca), we imagine them hunting seals, penguins or maybe even other large whales. Moose (Alces alces), the largest species of the deer family, conjure images of dense forests, marshes and freshwater lakes.
As it turns out, in certain areas and in very specific circumstances these two species’ habitats can virtually overlap. Under these circumstances, killer whales have been known to hunt and prey on moose.
This unusual predator-prey dynamic is not widely known, which is a shame as it demonstrates the versatility of both species and their environments.
Orcas are among the most intelligent and versatile aquatic predators—and we are still learning about these apex predators. For instance, you may be surprised to learn how killer whales found in the North Pacific may soon be reclassified into two distinct species.
Among the largest creatures in the deep blue, these cetaceans can weigh up to 12,000 lbs and are the so-called “wolves of the sea,” exhibiting diverse, adaptable hunting strategies and hunting in highly coordinated groups known as pods.
Case in point: Orcas in the Atlantic have been observed working together to create waves that dislodge seals from ice floes. Their counterparts in the seas of Norway have been similarly filmed cooperating to herd schools of fish into tight balls before going in for the kill.
Moose, on the other hand, are most commonly found in Canada. Apart from being the second-largest land mammal in North America (the largest are American bison), moose take the crown for being the tallest. Adult moose can have a shoulder height of 6’11” and weigh as much as 1,543 lbs.
Moose are mostly solitary animals who survive by consuming different types of plants and fruit, with their diet mainly consisting of terrestrial vegetation like forbs and other non-grasses.
This Diet Is One Piece Of The Puzzle In Explaining How They End Up In Orca Bellies
Moose generally don’t receive enough sodium from their terrestrial diet. In search of aquatic plants like lilies and pondweed that hold crucial nutrients—particularly in summer months when they replenish their depleted stores after winter—the moose venture into the water.
Their habitats collide in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest, where moose go swimming in search of food when it is hot. During these swims, they sometimes venture into deeper waters, where they are seen as prey by opportunistic orcas.
One documented incident occurred in 1992 in Alaska, when a hungry pod of four Biggs’ killer whales attacked a pair of swimming moose. They feasted on the larger of the two. The smaller one escaped the feeding frenzy, but it was wounded so badly that it was unable to keep swimming and drowned a little later.
As much as these large herbivores are clearly fine-tuned for a life on land, they are incredibly skilled and graceful swimmers, capable of swimming for several miles at a time. Their long legs, which are so effective in navigating dense forests, are just as suited for propelling them through water.
It’s a skill that has made them very well-adapted to avoiding other land predators like wolves and bears but does occasionally make them vulnerable to a predator as adept and powerful as the orca—which usually hunt fish, seabirds and other marine mammals (including great white sharks) but also exploit coastal prey like moose in scenarios where they need to adjust their diet based on availability.
Another Piece Of The Puzzle Lies In Underwater Topography
In coastal waters around British Columbia and Alaska, fjords and deep inlets come right up to the shore. So, when moose swim between islands or along the coastline, they inadvertently venture into orca territory. In such deeper waters, their swimming skills are no match for orca pods that are masters of this environment.
Reaching lengths of up to 30 feet and weighing over 10 tons, orcas can reach up to 35 miles per hour. They use their speed in these deep, narrow channels in fjords and deep inlets to rapidly close the gap between themselves and the moose and strike before it has a chance to return to the safety of the shore.
While this predation is not a natural part of killer whales’ diet, these intelligent mammals will not shy away from hunting other prey when the circumstances align. For them, the moose is just another source of protein, much like seals and sea lions, and the opportunity for such a large, nutritious meal is hard to pass up.
Both moose and orcas are fascinating animals that continue to surprise scientists and the general populace alike. Do you enjoy reading about wildlife and feel you care for animals in the same way you care for people? Take this test to find out: Animal Attitude Scale
