'Incredible': 17 Killer Whales Prey On Creature In Rare Sighting

MONTEREY, CA — In a rare sighting, more than a dozen killer whales were spotted preying on a minke whale last week in Monterey Bay.

The predation was the fifth of its kind to be seen in the bay in nearly 40 years and the first since April 2012, according to Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

"We had an absolutely INCREDIBLE day yesterday," the organization said in a social media post.

A known whale — Emma — led the charge Saturday and was accompanied by Xena, believed to be her mother, and Liner, likely her brother, the organization posted on social media, crediting the California Killer Whale Project for the identifications.

A total of 17 killer whales gathered around 9 a.m. for the feeding, including known whales Ben, Oliver/Olivia, Hercules, Glacier, Smiley and several others known only by numbers, according to Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

Minke whales can weigh up to 20,000 pounds and are only slightly smaller than killer whales, which are considered an apex predator and can weigh as much as 22,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

After their meal, the whales socialized, with some breaching and kelping, the organization posted.