In the icy expanses of the Arctic, orcas showcase their incredible hunting prowess, as featured in BBC Earth’s “Frozen Planet II.” When orcas spot a seal resting on a large ice floe, they utilize a remarkable strategy to make their catch. The whales first scout the ice floes, then use a sub-surface wave to break the ice into smaller pieces. Despite this, the seal remains on a raft of ice, seemingly safe.

The orcas, led by the matriarch, then adapt their approach. The pod skillfully moves the ice platform into clearer waters, setting the stage for a final tactic: blowing bubbles. This technique disorients the seal, making it easier for the orcas to close in. Remarkably, only about a hundred killer whales use this sophisticated method, underscoring their adaptability and intelligence in one of the harshest environments on Earth. This hunting strategy highlights the orcas’ ultimate ingenuity and their ability to thrive in extreme conditions.