Carousel feeding

Carousel feeding is a hunting technique used by the orca whale population in the waters off northern Norway. Orcas (Orcinus orca) have adapted to life in a variety of environments and their hunting techniques are prey specific. Orcas that utilize the carousel feeding technique prey on wintering herring. This technique, like the majority of orca hunting techniques, involves cooperation. An individual or small group of orcas will herd the herring into a tight ball by releasing bursts of bubbles and/or flashing their white undersides. They then push the herring close to the surface and stun them with tail slaps, allowing the orcas to catch and consume them. The orcas can catch and kill up to 15 herring with each successful slap. It is predicted that the orcas choose to use this hunting technique over others as a response to the behavior of the prey.