Watch CBS News

Killer Whale Spotted In Waters Near Chatham

CHATHAM (CBS) -- Many of us may have been keeping our eyes peeled for sharks, but one fisherman recently spotted another rare sight.

Bruce Peters, owner of Capeshores Charters, witnessed the dorsal fin of an orca -- commonly referred to as a killer whale -- sticking out above the waters Monday morning, about 12 miles northeast of Chatham.

"I've fished all my life and seen them only twice so far," Peters posted on Facebook.

Whale researchers at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium recognized the 25-foot plus killer whale. They've spotted the whale, which they've named "Old Thom," a few times at the Bay of Fundy between Maine and New Brunswick.

"Despite the tabloid sensationalism surrounding great white sharks, orcas are the penultimate apex predator in the ocean," the New England Aquarium said in a public statement.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.