On World Wildlife Day, we"re in the ice-cold waters around the Norwegian island of Spildra with a pod of orcas, also known as killer whales. These apex predators are at the top of the food chain with a diet that includes a smorgasbord of sea creatures including fish, penguins, and even sharks and whales. They hunt in pods, family groups of up to 40 individuals that work together using special hunting techniques sometimes likened to packs of wolves. Despite their scary name, they almost never attack humans and there are no documented cases of wild orcas killing anyone. The name "killer whale" is thought to come from Spanish sailors who saw groups of them hunting big whales. Orcas are also the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family, Delphinidae.
Killer whales in Spildra, Norway
Today in History
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All Rhodes lead to the beach
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Birthplace of Roman emperors
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Macro photograph of a migrant hawker dragonfly
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Big dreams require a big sleigh
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Lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France
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A plot was afoot
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A Welsh wonder turns 70
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Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Things are looking up
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A Christmas market with a long history
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Mangrove Conservation Day
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Protecting Alaska
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Happy trees = Clean air
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New Year s Eve
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Arrr, it be Talk Like a Pirate Day
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The Twin Cities celebrate Pride
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Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England
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Camels at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
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International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
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A towering view of the Pale Mountains
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World Meteorological Day
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A dreamy start to the Year of the Pig
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A water loch-ed castle
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Aerial view of a heart-shaped field in Trittau, Germany
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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
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World Bicycle Day
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Enter the magical world of Livraria Lello
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An island for the birds
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A personal collection becomes an institution
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Arches National Park, Utah
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