Scary Energy
The energy coming off the turbulent water was nothing like he had felt in his entire years on the sea.
He knew what was going on, he had seen it before. But being in the very center of it was an entirely new experience. Until that moment ... he didn’t know what it felt like to be prey.
Alaskan Beauty
John Dornella took in a deep, misty breath as he steered his fishing boat through the dark waters of Halibut Cove, Alaska.
It was hard work, but the stunning surroundings he got to see everyday made it all worth while. One thing he loved the most was the local wildlife.
Playful Giants
Sea birds would dive into the waves, competing for the fish John was trying to catch.
Bears would stroll along the waterline. Once in a while he would catch a glimpse of a majestic wolf. But his favorite by far were the whales. They seemed like gentle, playful giants. But, one day, he saw another side.
Not-So-Gentle
The blistering winds moved the overcast clouds across the sky.
Even if it was July, it was freezing that day. He was about to move on to a drop off, when he noticed a black and white mass drifting through the cove. It was a massive orca! His grin disappeared when he saw what it was chasing.
Cat And Mouse
A little otter struggled through the roiling water, desperately trying to stay ahead of the Orca.
This wasn’t a playful game of cat and mouse. It was a deadly one. It was a hungry predator after a meal. The Orca surged to the surface and opened its massive jaws.
Jumping To Safety
The snap just missed the otter! John knew he was watching the food chain in action – the natural circle of life.
But it was still hard to witness. Suddenly, the little ball of wet fur raced for John’s boat. In the ensuing chaos, he lost track of the little guy. He called out to another nearby Captain.
Sanctuary
“Where did it go?” he asked. “He jumps on the back of your boat!” she yelled back.
John ran to the stern, phone ready and video running. It was true! There, breathless and shaking was the otter. The killer whale now circled his boat, eyes still on its prey.
Scared Off
John let out a long sigh of relief that sent billowing mist into the air.
However, as soon as he took one step closer, trying to get a better shot with his phone, the otter looked up at him and panicked. The brief moment of relief was replaced with fear as it jumped back in the water!
Second Try
The orca was ready and lunged forward, mouth open again.
The second round of cat and mouse ensued around his boat. John knew these whales were predators but being human – and not part of the menu – he had never felt fear around them. Until that moment.
Caught In The Middle
With the determined whale brushing up against the side of his boat, he suddenly felt as small and powerless as the otter.
The voracious energy coming out of the water made the hairs on the back of John’s neck stand on end. Suddenly the otter appeared again.
Stay And Chill
He seemed to have made a decision.
He scrambled onto John’s boat and plopped himself in middle of the deck, utterly exhausted. The shivering animal was going to take his chances with John. “It’s okay, stay here and chill as long as you need to.” But there was on tiny problem.
Moving On
John was still working. He had to get the drop off delivered and couldn’t wait around any longer.
The had got plenty of footage and the stowaway was safe. He turned on the engine and cut through the cove waters, leaving the orca in his wake. It seemed the otter also knew something.
Time To Go
It crawled to the edge of the boat, sensing the escape and space to flee.
It waddled its body to the crest and leapt off the speeding boat. John couldn’t help but grin. The circle of predator and prey was cruel, and the orca would definitely find another meal somewhere back in the cove.
Sharing The Story
But it felt nice to have helped the otter in some small way.
When he pulled in for his delivery, he shared the footage with the other docked captains. The looked at the video with wide eyes and gasps whenever the orca opened its mouth. That was the other thing John loved about living in Alaska.
Always Amazed
No matter how long you’ve lived there, nature’s beauty and brashness never failed to amaze the locals.
They headed down to the local bar. It was time for a lunch break – and time for them to share their own amazing wildlife stories.