Sharks might get a lot of hunting hype, but Sharknado scenarios aside, they won't be diving onto land to catch food any time soon. Orcas on the other hand? That's a different story.


 

This amazing footage perfectly illustrates the lengths these marine marvels will go to when it comes to catching prey – but before we get into that, it's important to note that running up to a feeding orca is not only dangerous and stupid, but also illegal in many countries, including the US. 

Partially beaching themselves, as seen in the video, is just one of many techniques killer whales employ when searching for lunch. And their meals, by the way, consist of just about anything these predators can sink their four-inch teeth into. Transient orcas like this one have a preference for marine mammals, unlike their cousins, known as resident orcas, who feast on fish, octopuses and other invertebrates. 

Diving into the surf like this is a risky manoeuvre, but as long as the tide is up high enough, orcas tend to make their escape without much trouble. The largest member of the dolphin family, these whales can reach up to 32 feet (9.7m) in length and weigh up to six tons.

Hunting is not always done solo – in some locations, orcas roam the seas in pods made up of as many as 40 family members. In fact, this beaching behaviour is taught by seasoned pod members, who will sometimes bring youngsters along for a bit of practice. 

Although there’s never been an incident of a human being snatched off the beach by a killer whale (despite what hokey YouTube videos will tell you), let this be one more reason to stay clear of the sea lions when you see them on the beach.

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Top header image: DeWaine Tollefsrud/Flickr