In a curious display of behavior, a resident orca off the coast of Washington state was spotted balancing a dead salmon on its head, reviving a mystery that first puzzled researchers in the 1980s. Dubbed “salmon hats,” this unusual phenomenon has left scientists speculating about its purpose.
The recent sighting occurred on October 25 in Puget Sound, where the orca, identified as J27 Blackberry, was photographed sporting the fish. While experts are unsure why the whales engage in this behavior, theories range from playful mimicry to social communication. Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, suggests it could simply be a form of play, noting that young orcas are known for imitating one another.
Social Bonding or Symbolism?
Howard Garrett, co-founder of the Orca Network, believes the act might hold social significance. Orcas are among the most socially bonded mammals, staying with their families for life. Garrett speculates that the salmon may serve as a symbol, though what it represents remains unclear. “They’re completely social, so this is some sort of social communication,” he said.
Linked to Abundant Food Supply
Both Trites and Garrett noted that the behavior might also reflect an abundance of food in the area. The J Pod has spent over a month feasting on a large run of chum salmon in Puget Sound. Garrett suggests the orcas could be celebrating the plentiful fish supply, with time and energy to engage in playful activities.
Echoes of a 1980s Trend
This isn’t the first time orcas have been seen with “salmon hats.” In 1987, a female orca from K Pod started carrying dead salmon on her head, and the behavior quickly spread to other pods. Researchers described it as a “fad” that disappeared by the end of the year. Erin Gless of the Pacific Whale Watch Association recalls this as one of several playful trends observed among southern resident killer whales over the years.
Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute, downplays the idea of a returning fad, suggesting the recent sighting was more likely an isolated hunting moment caught on camera.
A Positive Sign for Orca Populations
For researchers, the behavior may signal good news for the endangered southern resident killer whales, who have struggled with food scarcity in recent decades. “If they’re playing with their food, it means their bellies are full, and they have time on their hands,” Trites said, viewing the sighting as a hopeful indicator of the population’s recovery.
While the purpose behind the “salmon hat” behavior remains a mystery, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the playful and complex social lives of these marine mammals.
