While hiking along the coastline of northern Washington and exploring tidepools, encountering a giant Pacific octopus would be a truly unexpected surprise! Recently, a fortunate group of hikers in Bellingham, Washington had the incredible opportunity to witness one of these majestic creatures swimming in a tidepool. ABC7 Chicago News shared a captivating video on Facebook, filmed by Micah Moeller, showing the awe and excitement of Moeller and his friends as they observed the eight-armed cephalopod gracefully moving through the shallow waters.
In the video caption, ABC7 mentioned that the giant Pacific octopus can reach sizes of nearly 20 feet and is commonly found in the northern Pacific Ocean, spanning from Korea to Mexico. Although the exact size of the octopus in the video was not specified, it appeared quite substantial!
Viewers were captivated by the video, leaving almost 9 thousand comments expressing their delight. Many viewers praised the hikers for admiring the octopus from a respectful distance without interfering. Some even shared interesting facts about these creatures, highlighting their non-threatening nature compared to other octopus species.
The giant Pacific octopus, with an average length of 16 feet and weighing up to 110 pounds, is considered the largest octopus species globally. Despite their size and power, these creatures are generally known to be shy and rarely pose a threat to humans. While most octopuses have the ability to bite with their beaks and inject venom through their suckers, it is typically non-lethal. The blue-ringed octopus is an exception, possessing venom that can be deadly to humans with a single bite.
For those who appreciate marine life, encountering an octopus in its natural habitat would be an unforgettable experience. Whether observing from a safe distance or diving alongside one, the grace and intelligence of these creatures are truly remarkable.
