British Columbia orcas feed on sleeper sharks

A recent study has found that orcas off of B.C. feed on Pacific sleeper sharks.

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that a new study shows through DNA evidence that offshore orcas (or killer whales) feed on Pacific sleeper sharks (Somniosus pacificus). The study was recently published in the journal of Aquatic Biology (Vol 11, No. 3).

According to the study, this is the first confirmed prey species of offshore killer whales, as well as the first record of Pacific sleeper sharks being prey items of orcas. Researchers believe that the abrasive skin of the Pacific sleeper shark is wearing the teeth of the orcas flat.

For more about the study, check out the full article at The Vancouver Sun.

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About George Probst

George T Probst is an award-winning American photographer best known for his underwater great white shark photography. In addition to his work underwater, Probst travels to schools, businesses, and communities for public speaking events to discuss the importance of sharks and ocean conservation.

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