Overview

• The behavior, first observed in 1987 in Puget Sound, involves orcas balancing dead salmon on their heads and was last seen in 1988 before disappearing suddenly.
• Recent sightings in October 2024 confirm the return of the 'salmon hat' trend, with a male orca known as J27 Blackberry photographed wearing a fish on his head.
• Researchers suggest the behavior could serve practical purposes, such as storing food for later consumption, or it may simply be playful or socially significant.
• Orcas are known for their intelligence and cultural behaviors, often passing trends and habits through their pods, which may explain the resurgence.
• Scientists are employing drones to study the phenomenon further, aiming to determine whether the fish are eventually eaten or discarded.