Yes, orcas do occasionally prey on sea otters. While it is not a common or primary food source for them, there is definitive evidence of killer whales consuming sea otters.
Orca Predation on Sea Otters: A Closer Look
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are apex predators with a highly varied diet that depends on their specific ecotype (e.g., transient, resident, offshore). While their diet typically consists of seals, sea lions, porpoises, other marine mammals, or various fish species, instances of them preying on sea otters have been documented.
Rare but Documented Encounters
It is generally not common for killer whales to target sea otters. However, specific cases have provided direct proof of this predation. For instance, there have been recorded instances where killer whales were found with multiple sea otters in their stomachs. This confirms that while infrequent, such events do occur.
The impact of this predation can be significant, even if rare. Orca predation has even been suggested as having played a role in the decline of sea otter populations in certain areas, particularly in Alaska during the 1990s. This highlights that while not a routine part of their diet, these predatory events can have ecological consequences for sea otter populations.
Understanding Orca Dietary Habits
Orcas exhibit diverse feeding strategies. Their diet varies greatly depending on whether they are transient (Bigg's) killer whales, which specialize in marine mammals, or resident killer whales, which primarily eat fish.
Below is a general overview of typical prey for different orca ecotypes:
| Orca Ecotype | Primary Prey | Occasional Prey / Observed Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Transient (Bigg's) | Seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, other marine mammals | Sea otters, larger whales (calves), seabirds |
| Resident | Various fish species, primarily salmon | Rarely other animals |
| Offshore | Sharks, rays, large fish | Less studied, likely diverse fish and potentially other marine life |
While sea otters are not a staple for any orca ecotype, they fall into the category of opportunistic or occasional prey, particularly for the transient ecotype known for hunting marine mammals. The intelligence and adaptability of orcas mean they can sometimes deviate from their typical hunting patterns, leading to less common predatory events like consuming sea otters.
