A group of killer whales surprised residents on the Sunshine Coast in B.C. by swimming near the shore and rubbing their bellies on the rocks. Ryan Chilibeck, a Gibsons resident, hurried to Secret Beach Park on Jan. 2 after learning about the orcas’ presence.
Witnessing the spectacle, Chilibeck described the experience as extraordinary, with the pod of orcas swimming just a few feet away from the shore for about 20 minutes. The group was identified as the A5 pod of northern resident killer whales, consisting of three different families, as confirmed by Jared Towers from Bay Cetology.
This behavior, where the whales rub their bellies on smooth rocks, is rare and unique among killer whale populations worldwide. The pebbles at Secret Beach Park are specifically favored by the A5 pod for this purpose.
According to Towers, rubbing against the rocks helps the whales with exfoliation due to their active skin. The whales’ behavior caught the attention of the community, with Chilibeck attributing his sighting to a local Facebook group dedicated to sharing whale sightings.
Glenda Sewards, who manages the group, aims to provide the community with opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures. Sewards initiated the group over a decade ago after spotting whales from her Langdale home. She finds joy in seeing the community come together and share the excitement of whale sightings.
Overall, the community was captivated by the rare sight of orcas engaging in this unique behavior, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for marine wildlife along the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.