Researchers believe a pod of killer whales seen off the coast of San Diego attacked the 50-foot fin whale that was found dead ashore in Pacific Beach last week. "There were tooth rakes in multiple places. On the dorsal fin, on the back, on the flippers so there was an active attack or heavy harassment of that fin whale shortly before it died," said Alisa Shulman-Janiger. She studies orcas, commonly known as killer whales, and says it's likely the fin whale swam closer to shore to escape the orcas. Shulman-Janiger said it's rare to find a fin whale attacked by killer whales on the beach. "In the studies we've done looking at attacks of fin whales in Mexico, we only have one case," she said. RELATED: Killer whales and baby spotted off coast of San Diego It's rare to spot killer whales off the coast of San Diego in December, but this week a pod was seen on Monday and Tuesday. "I didn't know killer whales were located out here so that's a little strange for me," said Erica, who lives in Pacific Beach. Researchers believe they're lingering in our area to feed on dolphins. FULL STORY: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/researchers-believe-orcas-killed-fin-whale-near-pacific-beach/509-cf371dc8-023d-45c7-9b4c-c79a5ba3b70b