Watch This Brave Kayaker Play a ‘Game of Chicken’ With a Charging Pod of Killer Whales… And Win!

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We’re going to need a bigger boat! Take a look at the video below which shows a pod of killer whales get a little close to a lone kayaker. 

The video was filmed by a kayaker in Olympia, Washington, which is a place known for its diverse aquatic life. It begins by showing a serene landscape showing a wide view of a waterway, with homes dotting the coastlines in the distance. 

Whales Approaching!

In the distance, something breaks the surface of the water, but it’s unclear what animal it is. After a few seconds, more action can be seen, this time even closer to the kayaker. From this, we can make out that killer whales are causing the movement in the water! 

After a few more seconds, the orcas resurface, this time even closer to the kayak. At this point, they are so close that we can see them blowing water in the air. Additionally, their powerful movements cause ripples that can be seen moving through the waterway. 

The orcas resurface once again, only feet away from the kayaker. At this point, the orcas are so close that they almost bump into the boat! The clip ends with the kayaker moving his camera around to survey the water, likely in pursuit of catching them appearing out of the water again. 

Do Killer Whales Attack People? 

For the most part, killer whales do not attack people, at least under normal circumstances. In their natural ecosystems, orcas are extremely dangerous. Not only are they adept swimmers, but they are extremely powerful, and have sharp teeth which can latch onto prey. 

This combination of characteristics makes them extremely great predators. They are apex predators, meaning they aren’t hunted by any other animal. 

When it comes to people, however, killer whales tend to be more curious than bloodthirsty. Such as with cases shown in the video below, they will often come close to people who are out on the water. In most cases, they do this to scope out what’s going on near them. In others though, orcas may mistake people for prey. 

Killer Whales vs. Orcas 

When referring to these animals, you may have heard people use the names “orca” and “killer whale” simultaneously. To the average person, this use of two words can be rather confusing and tends to bring up a lot of questions. With that said, what is the correct name for the animal in the video below? 

To answer the question prompt, both names are correct and refer to the same animal. Their original name was “killer whale,” which was coined by sailors because they were voracious hunters. 

While “killer whale” was a rather suitable name, it does not necessarily address their taxonomy or scientific behavior. Due to this, “orca” fell into popular use. 

Killer whales are not whales at all, and they fall more into the dolphin family! Their name tends to mislead people about how these animals behave. For instance, whales do not group, whereas killer whales are known for their complex social behavior. 

Is It Normal Behavior for Orcas to Approach Boats?

It is normal behavior for orcas to approach boats, including kayaks, due to their innate curiosity and intelligence. Orcas can be attracted by noise, movement, or the vibrations the boat creates while floating or moving. They can approach to investigate what is happening.

While orcas are not known to purposely try to capsize kayaks, there have been documented reports where they interacted with them. Orcas sometimes can act playfully around boats by surfacing or swimming underneath them.