Killer Whales

The icon of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is home to two different varieties of orca, or killer whale.

The Southern Resident Killer Whale population consists of three pods (J, K, and L) numbering approximately 80 whales. These whales specialize in eating fish, particularly salmon. Due to the size and unique social characteristics of this population, they are listed as an endangered species.

Transient, or Bigg's killer whales, have increased in numbers in this region over the last few years, numbering between 200-300 individuals. These apex predators feed on other marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, porpoise, and even other whales. There's nothing quite like seeing a transient orca on the hunt!