At least 72 Bigg killer whales have been identified in 10 different groups along the Salish Sea, PWWA says. The orcas were located north to the Campbell River and south to the Hood Canal in Puget Sound.
“We wonder how long this increase in Bigg killer whales will continue, but they continue to set a record,” said Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute in Washington.
“More than 70 in the area in one day is amazing,” he said.
Unlike their relatives, the critically endangered killer whales of the south, the Bigg killer whales “thrive” in the area, according to PWWA.
Bigg killer whales prey on marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, which are commonly found in the waters of BC.
‘IT WAS MAGICAL’#
The largest group of Bigg killer whales was spotted near the northern San Juan Islands of Washington, just east of Victoria, on Thursday.
“We were watching a group of four whales when, out of nowhere, another 14 took place. It was magical,” said Sam Murphy, a native of Island Adventures Whale Watching.
A researcher for the Whale Research Center and a veteran guide to the Prince of Whales whale monitoring team in Victoria confirmed the record on Thursday.
“There have been days in the last decade with about 50 different Big Killer whales being reported, maybe 60,” said Mark Maleson. “But Thursday was definitely the biggest so far.”
Some recognizable orcas were also spotted Thursday, including “Chainsaw,” an adult man in his 40s, and his mother, “Whidbey.”
The Trainset orca T63, also known as the “chainsaw”, is depicted with its characteristic dorsal fin. (Valerie Messier / Prince of Whales)
