Orcas Revive 1980s Trend of Wearing Dead Salmon as Hats
Scientists are puzzled as the peculiar behavior reemerges in the Pacific Northwest, with theories ranging from food storage to playful social habits.
- 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.
ScienceAlert 
Gizmodo 
The Guardian 