Orcas in the Pacific Northwest have brought back a quirky behavior from the 1980s—wearing dead salmon on their heads like hats. This phenomenon, first observed in 1987, has reappeared in waters off Washington state, including South Puget Sound and Point No Point. Researchers are intrigued by this strange resurgence, as the behavior had disappeared for nearly 40 years.
The trend was initially popularized by a female orca in the 1980s, with other pod members quickly imitating her. This time, scientists believe veteran orcas who witnessed the original trend may be responsible for its revival.
The exact motivation remains a mystery, though one theory links it to the abundance of chum salmon in the area. Some experts suggest the behavior might serve as a playful act, a way to store food temporarily, or even as a cultural expression unique to these whales.
Advancements in drone technology could provide new insights, allowing researchers to observe how long orcas carry their “salmon hats” and whether they eventually eat them. Regardless of the cause, this eccentric behavior has captivated both scientists and whale watchers, reigniting discussions about the cultural and social dynamics of orcas in the wild
