Orcinus Orca - Killer Whale

Our area is a very unique marine environment. We are blessed with 3 resident pods of orca; J, K, and L pods. These these are known as the Southern Resident Killer Whales. They each have their own distinct dialect but are thought to understand one another. (Listen to a sample of our Orca vocalizations). These pod's are large families of whales with sub-pods comprising of a female and her offspring. Our resident whales make up 86 killer whales within our area, 90% of the time between June to September though J pod is generally in the area year round. These beautiful animals are amazing creatures to watch with their variety of behaviors and charming personality. Resident Orca feed primarily on salmon and prefer the larger Chinook species.

Another species of orca known as transients, are always a possibility year round in our area. Unlike our residents who rely heavily on salmon as their diet, transients feed on other marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, porpoise, and even other whales! The pod's are generally much smaller and some adult males are spotted roaming on their own. Watching transients hunt prey is quite an experience especially porpoise as they travel at speeds over 50 km hour in pursuit of the small speedy cetaceans.

Offshore Killer Whales are a sub-species that are hardly studied and rarely seen in these parts. We were lucky enough in September 2002 to have over 80 of these animals take over the local waters.

Killer whale's are our optimal subject for viewing. They portray many behavioral characteristics including breaching, spyhopping, cartwheeling, tail lobbing, pectoral slapping, kelping, porpoising and even surfing.