Killer whales

Killer whales are distributed throughout the marine waters of Washington. Four populations are recognized and are referred to as southern residents, northern residents, transients, and offshores. Among these, southern resident and transient (also known as Bigg's) killer whales commonly are found in Puget Sound. 

--Source: Puget Sound Science Update.

Overview

Killer whales in Puget Sound

Three distinct groups of killer whales (Orcinus orca) occupy the coastal waters of the northeastern Pacific. These groups—northern and southern residents, transients, and offshores—are distinguished by diet, behavior, morphology, and other characteristics. Among these, southern resident and transient killer whales commonly are found in Puget Sound. Northern residents and offshore killer whales rarely enter Puget Sound (Wiles 2004, Kriete 2007), and therefore are not described in detail here.

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Killer whale (Orcinus orca). Photo courtesy of NOAA.

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Cover of the Pacific Whale Watch Association 2023 Sightings and Sentinel Actions report, featuring a photograph of an orca whale breaching with a boat in the distance.

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