WHALE WATCHING IN VICTORIA

The Killer Whale is the largest member of the dolphin family and they tend to be found in groups called pods, a group of related families. Occasionally two or more pods join together temporarily and can consist of up to 100 whales. Each pod has been named over the years by researchers.

In the North Pacific, researchers categorize pods of killer whales into transient-type whales and resident-type whales, based on physical and behavioral characteristics. The size of resident pods varies from as few as 5 to as many as 50 individuals. Transient pod size varies between 1 and 7 individuals. Resident pods tend to travel within specific ranges while transient pod ranges are unpredictable. In the Pacific Northwest, there are two communities of resident pods: a northern community and a southern community. Food preferences of resident and transient pods differ. Resident pods eat a wide variety of fish and rarely seek out marine mammals. Transient pods primarily eat marine mammals and will occasionally eat fish. Research has shown that resident pods have a wider sound repertoire than transient pods.

Great Pacific Adventures

Great Pacific Adventures practices responsible whale watching. Click the logo on the right to learn more about responsible whale watching.

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