After 37 Years, Orcas Are Reviving the Trend of Wearing Dead Salmon as Hats

For decades, marine biologists have studied orcas and their intricate social behaviors, but a curious and rather macabre trend has recently re-emerged: killer whales have once again taken to wearing dead salmon as hats. This peculiar behavior, first observed in the 1980s, had disappeared for nearly 40 years, only to make an unexpected comeback. Scientists are now scrambling to understand the reasons behind this unusual fashion statement.

A Revival of an Old Trend

Orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whales, are among the most intelligent marine mammals. They display a wide range of complex social behaviors, including sophisticated hunting strategies, vocal communication, and even cultural traditions that are passed down through generations. The recent return of salmon-hat-wearing behavior was first noted in 2023 among a group of Bigg’s orcas off the Pacific Northwest coast.

Reports suggest that young orcas are particularly fond of the trend, which involves balancing dead salmon on their heads and parading around their pod. Researchers have documented at least five individuals engaging in the behavior, indicating that it is not a one-time occurrence but rather a growing trend.

First Observed in the 1980s

The first recorded instances of this behavior date back to 1987, when researchers observed orcas in the same region playfully donning dead salmon. At the time, marine biologists hypothesized that the behavior could have been a form of play or a way to establish dominance within the group. However, after a few years, the trend disappeared, leading experts to believe it was a cultural fad that simply faded away.

The unexpected resurgence of the behavior raises several intriguing questions: Why did it disappear in the first place? And why has it returned now? Theories range from social bonding and imitation to environmental changes that may be influencing orca behavior.

Possible Explanations for the Behavior

Marine experts have proposed several theories to explain the resurgence of the salmon hat trend. While no single explanation has been confirmed, the following possibilities are being explored:

1. Social Learning and Playfulness

Many scientists believe that orcas engage in the behavior simply for fun. Like humans, orcas exhibit playful tendencies, and the act of balancing a fish on their heads may be a form of entertainment. If younger orcas see older pod members engaging in the behavior, they may imitate it, reinforcing the trend within the group.

2. A Display of Strength or Skill

Another possibility is that wearing dead salmon is a way for orcas to demonstrate their hunting prowess. By balancing a dead fish on their heads, they may be showcasing their ability to catch and control their prey, a trait that could be important for social standing within the pod.

3. A Symbol of Mourning or Respect

Some researchers have suggested a more symbolic explanation: the behavior could be a form of mourning or paying respect to their prey. There have been documented cases of orcas displaying ritualistic behaviors when dealing with deceased pod members, so it’s possible that the salmon hat trend serves a similar function.

4. Environmental or Dietary Changes

With shifting ocean conditions and fish populations fluctuating due to climate change, orcas may be altering their interactions with their prey. If salmon are more abundant or easier to catch in certain regions, the whales might engage in more playful behavior with their food.

Comparisons to Other Animal Behaviors

The phenomenon of orcas wearing dead fish on their heads is not entirely unique in the animal kingdom. Other species also exhibit behaviors that could be interpreted as play, tradition, or even ritualistic acts.

Dolphins and Tool Use: Some bottlenose dolphins use sea sponges to protect their noses while foraging on the seafloor. This behavior is passed down through generations, much like cultural traditions in humans.
Crows and Object Manipulation: Crows and other corvids have been observed playing with objects, including carrying sticks or stones in their beaks as a form of entertainment.
Chimpanzees and Leaf Grooming: Some chimpanzees have been observed engaging in a social grooming behavior using leaves, which appears to have symbolic significance rather than a practical purpose.

The reappearance of the salmon hat trend suggests that orcas, like other intelligent species, engage in behaviors that are influenced by their social environment and traditions.

What’s Next for Research?

Scientists are now actively monitoring orca pods to determine whether the trend will continue or fade away again. Researchers are using drones, underwater cameras, and acoustic monitoring to track interactions and gather more data on the behavior.

One of the main goals is to determine whether the behavior spreads to other pods. If orcas outside the Pacific Northwest adopt the trend, it could indicate that the behavior is spreading through social learning, much like human fashion trends do. If it remains isolated to a specific group, it could be an example of a micro-cultural phenomenon within a particular pod.

Another critical aspect of ongoing research is investigating how environmental factors might be influencing orca behavior. If climate change or changes in salmon populations are playing a role, it could provide valuable insights into how marine life adapts to shifting ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

The return of the salmon hat trend among orcas is a fascinating example of animal culture in action. Whether it is a form of play, a social display, or something more mysterious, it highlights the complex and intelligent nature of these magnificent creatures. As researchers continue to study the phenomenon, we may gain even deeper insights into the social dynamics and traditions of orca populations.

For now, marine biologists and whale enthusiasts alike will be watching closely, eager to see whether this quirky tradition will stick around—or if it will once again disappear, waiting to resurface decades later in a new generation of fashionable orcas.