A group of killer whales surprised residents along British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast as they swam close to the shore and engaged in belly-rubbing on the rocks. Ryan Chilibeck, a Gibsons resident, hurried to Secret Beach Park upon hearing about the orcas’ presence on January 2. Fortunately, he arrived at the right time to witness the captivating display.
A gathering of onlookers assembled on the beach, observing in awe as the orcas glided back and forth just a few feet from the shoreline for about 20 minutes. Identified as northern resident killer whales (NRKW) from the A5 pod, which comprises three distinct families, the whales showcased a behavior rarely seen elsewhere in the world.
This unique behavior involves the whales rubbing their bellies against specific pebbles along the shore, a practice that is believed to be both enjoyable and beneficial for their skin. Jared Towers, the executive director of Bay Cetology, emphasized the specialized nature of this behavior, noting its rarity among killer whale populations worldwide.
The A5 pod is known to favor the smooth rocks found on the Sunshine Coast for this activity. Towers remarked that these whales are the only ones familiar with these locations and their utilization. The act of rubbing against the rocks aids in skin exfoliation for the whales, contributing to their overall well-being.
The local community united over the whale sightings, with Chilibeck expressing his excitement as a devoted orca enthusiast. Glenda Sewards, who manages a Facebook group dedicated to sharing whale sightings, highlighted the group’s purpose of allowing everyone in the community to appreciate these magnificent marine creatures. Sewards initiated the group over a decade ago after spotting whales from her Langdale residence, finding joy in fostering community enthusiasm for the natural wonders of the region.