Orcas (or Killer Whales) are marine mammals and the largest member of the dolphin family! These beautiful creatures are the most widely dispersed member of the dolphin family on the globe, which has contributed greatly to their media popularity. Orcas (despite their “killer whale” reputation) aren’t actually whales; they were given the name by ancient sailors who saw them feeding on other whales. The old translation of orca actually meant “whale killer,” but was eventually flipped into the modern “killer whale.” Killer whales (as a species) will kill and eat most other creatures they can find, but individual whales and pod groups are actually quite picky. Once a pod starts eating a particular diet, they are unlikely to deviate from it–even if there are other food options available. To orcas, the family unit is very important, and knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next! Unfortunately, however scary these miraculous creatures seem, they are actually the ones in the most danger. They face manmade threats such as fishing nets, habitat loss and contamination, increased boat traffic, and whaling. These awesome animals deserve support and attention, and you can help provide that assistance by donating to organizations like the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC). Even spreading awareness of these creatures can do a lot of good– so the next time you see a killer whale, know what an amazing creature it is!