A rare white orca spotted off the southeast coast of Alaska earlier this month is creating excitement for researchers and whale watchers as scientists believe there are only about five of the creatures in existence. Researchers believe white orcas are not albino, but instead the whiteness is caused instead by leucism, a condition that results in partial loss of pigmentation, which causes white, pale, or patchy coloration of skin, hair, feathers, or scales, but not eyes. Anyone who spots a rare white orca should contact local researchers so they can record details about the sighting, researcher Stephanie Hayes said. (Stephanie Hayes)Hayes said scientists believe white killer whales may be at a disadvantage when hunting, because their white glow gives them away when they're trying to creep up on prey. Its pod, Hayes said, goes as far south as Oregon, and as far north as Alaska.

Source: CBC News August 18, 2020 01:41 UTC