Are there orcas in Cape Cod?

Asked by: Ashley Daly

The killer whale recently spotted swimming in the waters off Cape Cod is a huge 30-foot bull known as Old Thom. Just under two weeks ago the killer whale was spotted swimming 40 miles east of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Fisherman Jerry Leeman managed to capture a video of the rare sighting.

Are orcas in Cape Cod?

An orca, or killer whale, spotted about 25 miles off the coast of Cape Cod by Captain Asher Molyneaux of the Finlander II.

Are there orcas in Massachusetts?

Orcas have been spotted in Massachusetts waters, albeit rarely. The animals, also known as killer whales, are found all over the world, generally in cold water. They are not whales at all, but are actually the largest member of the dolphin family.

Do orcas live in Cape Cod?

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are rare off Cape Cod, but not unheard of. Local fishermen say it’s not something they see every day. The dorsal fin of the Orca is clearly seen in the pictures Molyneaux was able to capture on Sunday. Orcas are apex predators.

Are killer whales in New England?

Orcas, though often referred to as “killer whales,” are actually the largest members of the dolphin family and are apex predators. Officials said orcas have been spotted in the area in the past. “Orcas have definitely been seen in New England,” said Amy Knowlton, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium.

Are there whales in the Cape Cod Canal?

MEP’s Offshore Patrol Boats are currently monitoring a pod of right whales off of the Cape Cod Canal, ensuring vessels abide by the speed and approach restrictions intended to further protect the endangered species.

Do killer whales eat humans?

There is no record of an orca ever killing a human in the wild. This is because humans are not part of their natural diet. Occasionally, an orca may mistake a human for something they do eat, such as a seal.

Are orcas in Boston?

Orcas are most frequently sighted off the west coast, but fishermen recently spotted one in Massachusetts waters.

Why do great white sharks go to Cape Cod?

This population of North Atlantic sharks visit Cape Cod annually over the summer months, specifically to feast on the abundant seal population in the area.

Do orcas exist in the Atlantic Ocean?

Orcas are found in oceans around the world, but typically stick to colder waters like the Southern (Antarctic), Pacific and northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean. They rarely venture as far south as New England waters.

Are there orcas in Maine?

Occasionally watchers will also spot orcas, right whales and sperm whales moving through the Gulf of Maine. To see these majestic visitors to the Maine coast, many will arm themselves with binoculars and a bagged lunch, then head out on the seaside trails for a chance to catch a glimpse.

Are there any orcas on the East Coast?

A group of orcas has been spotted off the North East coast. More commonly known as killer whales, the ‘pod’ was captured on camera by Edward Sinclair – a lobster fisherman. The giant mammals, which can grow to be the size of a bus, were spotted a few miles east of Holy Island.

Can you see orcas on the East Coast?

You won’t see killer whales (orca), blue whales or gray whales though. These are seen more on the west coast and up in the San Juan Island of Washington state. The East Coast whale watching season runs year round depending on which beach you hit.

Where are the whales in Cape Cod Bay?

Cape Cod’s whales are world famous.
Stellwagen Bank, an area located between Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay, is one of the most popular locations for whale watching in Cape Cod.

What is the best month for whale watching in Massachusetts?

In the Boston area, May, June, July, August, September and October are generally the best months for whale watching with great sightings. Each summer the whales migrate to Massachusetts and back to warmer water when the weather gets cold.