Killer Whales
Orcinus orca or Orca

Description - The killer whale is the largest dolphin; a shiny, black creature with white patches above and behind each eye, on the chin and throat extending along the belly. The body is robust and powerful with a blunt, round head and slight beak. The male averages 27 feet and weighs up to 11 tons; the female 23 feet, 8 tons.

Distribution - This whale is found from the Sea of Cortez to Kodiak Island. It is common in the Puget Sound and northeast Vancouver Island.

Biology - The orca is an extremely fast swimmer, exceeding speeds of 30 mph, it spyhops and breaches often, making it a wonder for whale watchers. Its blow is up to 10 feet high and often has a loud, explosive sound. This intelligent creature remains in a family pod of 5 to 20 for all of its life. They will eat anything that swims or floats (except humans) including seabirds, turtles, other cetaceans (including great whales), seals, sea lions, all types of fish and squid. The female has a gestation period of 15 months and calves at intervals of 3 years. The orca has 3 basic sound types including a click, whistle and a scream. A population of 260 killer whales frequent the waters off of B.C.; they are listed as not threatened but reduced salmon stocks may be affecting the growth of northwest populations.