BREAKING: A pod of more than 10 orcas (including 3-4 calves) appears to be trapped in sea ice less than a mile off the coast of Hokkaido island in Japan. Orcas can only hold their breath for 15 minutes max, and typically breathe every 3-5 minutes, so time is of the essence. Officials from the nearby town of Rausu said the thickness of the ice makes it impossible for the Coast Guard to free the animals. 'We have no choice but to wait for the ice to break up and for them to escape that way,' a Rau

103K views · 3.4K reactions | These orcas are performing a behavior specific to orcas off the coast of British Columbia, rubbing their bellies on pebbles in as little as six feet of water. Although genetically similar, the southern pods don't do this. Northern residents, however, teach it their calves and perform it only on small, specific stretches of certain beaches. : instagram.com/sashak1964 | OceanX | Facebook