*** About Killer Whales: Killer whales, or Orcinus orca, are highly social and intelligent mammals known for their striking black and white appearance. Residing in oceans around the globe, these cetaceans are apex predators, feeding on a varied diet from fish to seals. Apart from their hunting skills, orcas are famous for their complex social structures and behaviors, often living in matrilineal family groups called pods. Their vocal behaviors and the ability to teach learned behaviors to others in their group underline their intelligence, making them fascinating subjects of marine study and conservation efforts. The cultural symbolism of killer whales includes themes of community, protection, and strength, prevalent in many Indigenous cultures, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where they are revered as powerful spiritual symbols.

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