Two groups of Bigg乌鸦传媒檚 killer whales worked together to take down an adult minke whale on Friday afternoon (Oct. 7).

The Pacific Whale Watch Association said two groups of transient orcas worked in tandem to prey on the nine-metre-long minke whale. The interaction occurred south of Washington State乌鸦传媒檚 Smith Island, approximately 35 kilometres from Greater Victoria乌鸦传媒檚 shores.

At this time, it乌鸦传媒檚 believed the 10-ton minke was a known member of the seasonal Salish Sea population that was first documented in the region in 1982. The nine killer whales completed the hunt in about 30 minutes.

乌鸦传媒淚t乌鸦传媒檚 thought that minkes only live to be about 50 years old, so despite a dramatic end, this whale lived a full life,乌鸦传媒� the association said in a social media post.

Predation events can elicit mixed emotions, the association said, especially when the whale is well known to Salish Sea observers.

乌鸦传媒淥ne thing is certain 乌鸦传媒� there乌鸦传媒檚 absolutely no denying that Bigg乌鸦传媒檚 killer whales are the ocean乌鸦传媒檚 apex predator.乌鸦传媒�

Minke whales belong to the baleen family, like humpback and grey whale species. In the absence of teeth, they have hundreds of long, stiff strips in their mouths that act like giant strainers. Minke whales are also the smallest member of the rorquals sub-group.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said minke whales are one of the most abundant rorquals in the world and their population status is considered stable throughout almost their entire range, especially when compared to other large whales. While minke whales in Alaskan waters are migratory, ones found in the inland waters of California, Oregon and Washington are considered residents.

The species is not threatened or endangered but is protected under U.S. law.

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