Once referred to as transient killer whales because they were rarely seen, Bigg's (mammal-eating) killer whales are becoming an almost daily sight in the Salish Sea due to an abundance of their favorite foods - seals, sea lions, and porpoises which are now protected species. These stealthy hunters work cooperatively within their family pod to capture prey. Nothing quite compares to the speed and power of these apex predators.

While Bigg's killer whales tend to travel with their immediate family groups (4-7 animals), they often join together with other groups to feed, play, and mate. Speaking of mating, the mammal-eating orcas have sure been busy lately! Since 2012, more than 100 new calves have been born leading to a population explosion in the Salish Sea. It's estimated that there are now more approximately 400 Bigg's killer whales that feed in the Salish Sea throughout the year.

Unlike many of the local whale species, killer whales do not migrate, but their range extends from central California to Alaska. They can swim more than 100 miles a day, so you never quite know when and where they'll pop up next! These are the killer whales we see most frequently in the Salish Sea.

J, K, and L pods make up what is known as the Southern Resident killer whale population. These killer whales eat different types of fish depending on the time of year. Their favorite food is Chinook salmon, but their diet has been known to include all five types of salmon, as well as steelhead, halibut, and lingcod.

These whales live in very tight-knit family groups which range from the youngest baby to the eldest female. Immediate family groups (a mother and her offspring) are referred to as a matriline. Multiple matrilines make up larger pods (J, K, and L pods). On occasion, all three pods will come together creating a superpod. The older whales are the keepers of the knowledge – from hunting techniques to their highly-complex language – that’s been passed down through generations.

Unlike Bigg's killer whales, Southern Resident killer whales are currently listed as an endangered population. Populations of their primary food source, Chinook salmon, have declined in recent years, causing them to spend more time outside the Salish Sea where fish is more plentiful. We are unlikely to encounter Southern Resident killer whales on our tours.

Breaching

Breaching is an acrobatic display that seems contagious. In order to propel their bodies (up to 11 tons) out of the water they have to reach speeds up to 23 mph! There are many thoughts to why orcas breach. Along with just being fun, researchers think breaching might help slough dead skin or maybe take care of an itch. It may also serve as communication through body language or be an effective way to move prey.

Spy-hopping

A spy hop is just the orcas’ way of checking out what is going on at the surface! Raising their rostrum up through the water, at times past their pectoral flippers, allows an elevated look at the world above the water. This is one of the rare times that a whale engages in human watching!

Sleeping

Even orcas need sleep! When sleeping, members of the pod rest near the surface in one close group. This is known as logging. The orcas move as if they are synchronized swimming while taking short, shallow dives. Because they are cognitive breathers, half of their brain remains awake while the other half sleeps. This “sleep swimming” activity typically lasts two to six hours and can take place day or night.

The early 1970's, Dr. Michael Bigg, a scientist with the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, began studying the orcas of the region, mainly to determine the population and its dynamics in light of orcas being captured for captivity. He developed a technique using photographs to ID individual whales. Currently, the Center for whale research conducts an annual census of the southern resident orcas. Located just behind the dorsal fin on each side of the whale is a white pigmented area called a saddle patch. The saddle patch is like a fingerprint. Unique encroachments of black and sometime scars within the patch make each one distinctive. Characteristics of the dorsal fin itself – such as scars, nicks and overall shape – are also helpful in identifying individual whales.