Tail slapping orca ~ what does it mean??

in animalphotography •  7 years ago 

There are numerous surface behaviour that orca and other marine mammals display on a continuous basis. Each one of these behaviours no doubt have their special meaning and suggest the animal is feeling a certain way. Whether it is frustration, curiosity, playfulness or just simply annoyed. To make a long story short - it is always some form of communication and typically communicating between themselves. what exactly they are trying to say is very debatable amongst researchers and guides.

Orca tail slapping is one of those behaviours (pictured below). I have discussed this behaviour with some of my Norwegian colleagues whom believe that when a male orca constantly displays this behaviour over a very short period of time it is suggesting that he is annoyed and you are in his personal space. So, back off is the key thing to do when that behaviour is observed.

Personally, I find it fun to sit and observe these animals in their natural habitat and try to work out how they are feeling and what they are doing based on their surface behaviour. Not sure if I will ever get amazing at it - Predicting a wild animals behaviour isn't always an easy thing to do BUT I am going to keep having a go regardless.


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An young male orca tail slapping, as he cruised past our vessel.
Click on image to view full size.


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Very interesting post. I just did a post on penquins couple days ago should check out. Thanks for this info

These are such intelligent mammals.

Did you see them responding to humans?

http://theconversation.com/talking-killer-whale-reveals-orcas-can-learn-to-mimic-human-speech-90726

Very interesting

save whale

Save habitat well soon

Wow, really awesome photo @thomasjmitchell, thanks for sharing!

Definitely @ you have a very exciting job; here boredom does not exist; I imagine that you are in a continuous learning and the most beautiful is that you can show your workgraphically to all others. Good job. Greetings.

Perfect shot

I have literally been feet away from whales in the ocean, its quite profound.

Very good your post, I've always wanted to see one of those animals !. And I hope to do it some day, fortunately I have been able to enjoy many marine animals, and I like to sit and contemplate them, or be in the water snorkeling and watch them swim, observe the nature at its best!

I share some of my photos, and I hope you like them!, I loved your photos!

I'm barely learning English, so if you see something badly written, excuse me!

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