The incredible moment a grey whale fights desperately to save herself and calf from nine killer whales - but fails and is devoured by the pack
- Nine orcas attacked a grey whale and her calf in Monterey Bay, California
- Video shows the three-minute-long killing as stunned whale watchers looked on
- Killer whales in the region have been attacking grey whales as they migrate to Mexico in search of cooler waters
This is the incredible moment nine killer whales attack and quickly kill a weak mother grey whale and her calf.
Stunned whale watchers witnessed the slaughter in Monterey Bay, California on Wednesday.
Killer whales memorize the migratory patterns of grey whales and hunt their prey for hours.
This unfortunate grey whale was likely on her way to find cooler water in Mexico.
The marine mammals have been on quite the killing spree. This pack of nine orcas alone have been spotted feasting four times in the past eight days.
Nancy Black, a marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch told SFGate the killer whales of Monterey have been ferocious as of late, killing more prey than usual.
She said: 'This was almost a record for how quick the killer whales attacked the mother and calf.'
Stunned whale watchers with Monterey Bay Whale Watch witnessed the killer whale attack
Nine orcas circle a grey whale and her calf as people on tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch look on. Several other killer whales join in on the attack.
They grey whale appears skinnier than the average grey whale making her easy prey. She tries to protect her calf, but the orcas prevail.
It only takes four minutes for the whales to complete the kills. It usually takes about 20 minutes for a killing according to Black.
The pack of nine orcas have been spotted hunting four times in the past eight days
The grey whale was skinnier than most making it an easier target for the whales
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