Killer Antics
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When you go out whale-watching in the San Juans or are hanging around Lime Kiln State Park, see if you can spot some orcas fooling around. These spirited creatures come above the water level quite frequently. Here’s a guide to some of their favorite moves:
- Spyhop: That’s when they peek out of the water with their head perpendicular to the waterline.
- Breach: Anytime an orca breaks the surface of the water, that’s called breaching. If you’re ever lucky enough to see one jump completely out of the water, count your blessings. Called a full breach, this is a rarity.
- Lobtail: This is when the whale sticks its tail completely out of the water, waving it like a fan.
- Fin Slap: Scientists don’t quite know why they do it, but orcas frequently like to slap the water with their pectoral and dorsal fins.
© Ericka Chickowski from Moon Washington, 8th edition
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