Northwest Pacific orcas have been spotted wearing salmon hats again, a trend that was first observed in the 1980s and has recently made a comeback after a 37-year hiatus. Researchers believe that these orcas may be veterans of the trend from nearly four decades ago, possibly reinitiating the behavior.
The motivation behind the salmon hat trend remains a mystery, with researchers unsure why orcas engage in this behavior. Some speculate that it could be linked to high food availability, as the orcas may be saving fish for later by balancing them on their heads. Other researchers suggest that the orcas may be stashing food away in unconventional places, such as under their pectoral fins.
With the help of camera-equipped drones, researchers now have the opportunity to monitor the orcas wearing salmon hats more closely than ever before. This technology allows for the collection of valuable data that could provide insights into the behavior, such as how long the orcas carry the fish before consuming them.
While the food availability theory is currently the leading explanation for the behavior, researchers acknowledge that they may need to reassess their theories based on the data collected. If the footage reveals that the orcas abandon the salmon hats without eating them, it could challenge the current understanding of why they engage in this unusual behavior.
Despite the mystery surrounding the behavior, researchers and whale watchers alike have expressed excitement at the resurgence of the salmon hat trend. Deborah Giles, an orca researcher at the University of Washington, described it as a fun and intriguing phenomenon to observe.
As scientists continue to study and monitor the orcas wearing salmon hats, they hope to unravel the mystery behind this unique behavior. With new technology and research methods at their disposal, they are optimistic about gaining a better understanding of why these marine mammals choose to sport fish as headgear.
