This is the extraordinary moment a pod of orcas was seen interacting with humpback whales near the Farallon Islands in California.

Researchers at the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge documented the rare event.

Footage shows refuge manager Gerry McChesney and wildlife refuge specialist Mackenzie Cahill, along with colleagues from Point Blue Conservation Science, witnessing a group of Bigg's killer whales engaging with humpback whales in what appeared to be a hunting scenario on August 22.

Around 15 orcas were involved in a strategic hunt that lasted nearly nine hours.

Authorities said orcas are commonly known for hunting marine mammals like sea lions, so seeing them target humpback whales is noteworthy.

McChesney highlights how such events shed light on the dynamics between different species in their natural environment: 'This sighting is incredibly significant for understanding marine ecosystems.'