Orcas

Orcas are the "bread and butter" of the whale-watching industry here! Locally, we have two distinct types of orcas frequenting our waters. Year round, we have the transient, or Biggs orcas. They feed primarily on warm-blooded prey, such as seals, sea-lions, porpoises and dolphins. I have also witnessed them snacking on sea otters and various sea birds. They can be distinguished by their shorter, pointier dorsal fins, longer dive patterns, and lack of vocalization. They tend to be shy, and usually avoid boats.

In the summer months, we have the resident orcas, which feed primarily on salmon. The large, fatty Chinook salmon are their favourite food! They are characterized by their playful surface frolicking, active vocalization and lack of shyness around boats. These are the ones that provide the great photo-ops that everyone loves! They often spy-hop, tail-slap, or even give you a full breach, if you are lucky!

© 2018 PETE'S Salmon Charters | All rights reserved | All images copyright © 2018 Pete Rice
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