Scientists baffled as orcas seem to revive an 80s trend: dead salmon hats

Researchers suspect that orcas may be reviving a peculiar fashion statement of sorts not seen since the 1980s.

Scientists in Washington state have observed at least one orca balancing salmon on its head, a trend known as the “dead salmon hat”. They spotted the stylish killer whale this autumn in Puget Sound.

It is likely that these marine mammals are not just sporting these hats to look chic for their deep-sea neighbors. These fishy accessories are multipurpose, allowing the wearers to enjoy a snack as they travel along on their oceanic journey.

The strange phenomenon was first documented in 1987, when a female orca was observed to be wearing a salmon hat for nearly the duration of that year. Within a few weeks, two other orcas, creatures known for being highly intelligent and social, began to adopt her unique fashion.

Yet the trend seemed to disappear just as suddenly as it had appeared – as the salmon hats already seemed to be out of fashion by 1988.

But as all fashion is cyclical, the accessories have seemingly made a comeback as of November. A 32-year-old male orca known as J27 Blackberry was photographed flaunting the same salmon hat trend at Point No Point, Washington, just off Whidbey Island in Puget Sound.

Researchers are still baffled by the abrupt resurgence.

“Honestly, we have no idea why this started again, why it happens or why it seems to be started again,” Deborah Giles, a researcher heading the team at Wild Orca, told New Scientist.

Scientists speculate that the salmon hats may be a way to combat a lack of food options in certain areas of the sea in the same way that hikers might bring snacks with them on a long trek.

It could also possibly be some sort of playful behavior in reaction to a larger than usual number of salmon in the region this year. If an orca has gorged on salmon until it is satisfied, it may be choosing to store the leftovers on its head for later because the fish are too tiny and slippery to hold under their fins.

Orcas have a reputation for being clever when it comes to their meals, but even a healthy access to salmon has not prevented the discerning species from the threat of extinction.