MAMMAL MONDAY # 9

MAMMAL MONDAY# 9

Wow, it’s Monday again? Where did the weekend go? We have a great mammal for you today! This special mammal could have been featured on Watery Wednesday, but we just couldn’t wait for you to meet this animal, so let’s do it!

MEET THE FALSE KILLER WHALE!

Range/Habitat: worldwide/temperate-tropical waters

Diet: Carnivores: salmon, tuna, barracuda

Length/Weight: 16-20ft/1- ½ tons

Conservation Status: lower risk

Fun Facts:

• False Killer Whales are one of the largest members of the dolphin family.
• They are agile and fast swimmers.
• False killer whales get their name because they resemble Orcas (aka Killer Whales).
• They don’t have a beak (like a bottlenose dolphin).
• You often see them swimming in groups of 10-20 whales. A group of whales is called a pod.
• False killer whales prefer deep oceans, but can be seen in shallows near land.
• They are very social and use clicks and whistles to communicate with each other.
• Like other members of the dolphin family, they use echolocation to locate their prey.

These whales have a funny name, but they sure are cool. People communicate by talking, but these whales use clicks and whistles. We think everyone should try making up their own False Killer Whale language and practice making clicks and whistle sounds! We’re going to try today! Edmond thinks he’ll be better than Ellie at this challenge!