Killer Whales

• Banner year for Bigg’s killer whales in Salish Sea, with sighting records smashed

  According to the Pacific Whale Watch Association and Orca Behavior Institute, there were 1,270 unique sightings of the mammal-hunting killer whales between January and October.

  Environment

  Nov 8, 2023
  
• ‘It’s worrisome’: Worsening skin lesions on orcas concern for scientists

  Southern resident killer whales are increasingly suffering from skin diseases that leave large blotches on their distinctive black-and-white colouration, new research says.

  Environment

  Jul 1, 2023
  
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• Orcas delight onlookers at Vancouver’s Locarno Beach

  Visitors to Vancouver's Locarno Beach were treated to a rare sight Friday as a group of orcas swam near shore.

  Environment

  Jun 30, 2023
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• New orca calf spotted in endangered southern resident pod near B.C. waters

  A baby orca has apparently been born to an endangered killer whale population in the Pacific Northwest, scientists reported.

  Environment

  Jun 28, 2023
• Orcas becoming strategic in their attacks, says boat captain ambushed twice

  Captain Dan Kriz says killer whales are getting faster and more strategic in their attacks on boats off the coast of Spain and Portugal.

  Trending

  Jun 12, 2023
• ‘One in a million’: Deer photobombs killer whale in waters near B.C.-U.S. border

  Fatty seals are the preferred food of the Bigg's killer whale. Fortunately, this lean piece of venison wasn't enough to tempt Cooper, a 31-year-old male.

  Environment

  Jun 7, 2023
• ‘Basically a sucker punch’: California captain talks killer whale pod attack on adult gray whales

  Two Bigg's killer whale pods with over a dozen members joined forces for more than five hours to take down two adult gray whales. The grays escaped badly wounded.

  Trending

  Apr 13, 2023
• Inbreeding contributes to southern resident killer whale’s low population growth: study

  Southern resident killer whales had the highest levels of inbreeding of five North Pacific killer whale populations analyzed by researchers.

  Environment

  Mar 24, 2023
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• B.C. orcas threatened by lack of fatty salmon, UBC researchers say

  UBC researchers say orcas are not only threatened by the decline of the overall salmon population but also the reduction in high-quality fatty salmon, the whales' preferred meal.

  Environment

  Feb 24, 2023
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• N.S. researcher spots first recorded case of an orca caring for another species’ baby

  A researcher at Dalhousie University says the orca may have been trying to adopt the newborn pilot whale, as the orca has never been spotted with a calf of her own.

  Environment

  Feb 23, 2023