Rare White Killer Whale Calf Spotted In Orca Pod Off Southern California Coast

White orcas whale

Talk about a find.

A group of whale watchers were treated to a sight they most likely couldn’t have imagined off Newport Beach, California just a few days ago.

According to KTLA 5, the Newport Coastal Adventure company got a tip that an orca pod was spotted about 45 miles from Newport Harbor, and in a last second decision, decided to take all available boats out to possibly witness the incredibly rare sight.

But when they got there, they found something even more uncommon.

A white killer whale calf was swimming with the group and breached the surface numerous times over the two hours the 20 passengers were able to watch them. The white calf has been nicknamed “Frosty” and has his light pigmentation from a genetic condition.

In all, they got to see 7 orcas up close and personal, with some of them even making passes underneath the boat.

Orcas, also know as “killer whales” are one of the smartest creatures on our whole planet. They live in groups called pods and are very social, often even hunting together in packs like wolves do.

They belong to the sub-order of toothed whales (known as odontocetes) but are actually the largest member of the dolphin family. Technically all dolphins are whales, but not all whales are dolphins… confused yet?

All whales, dolphins, and porpoises are part of the animal group known as Cetacea, which is then split into two groups consisting of toothed whales, and non-toothed whales.

They will eat just about anything they can from various fish to otter, seals or penguins, and in some areas, they have even been known to hunt sharks.

What a reward for being willing to take the trip last minute. Orcas are rare in southern California, so seeing 7 of them, and one of them white as snow, may just be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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