to kill a mockingbird

Killer whales or Orca inhabit all oceans from the tropics to the edge of the polar ice pack. Throughout this vast range, only one species is recognized (Orcinus orca). The largest known concentrations of killer whales are found in the cooler coastal waters of both hemispheres. Norway, Japan, the Antarctic and our Pacific coast have such concentrations.

British Columbia is distinguished by its large populations of killer whales, which are predictably found in sheltered, accessible waters. More than 600 whales inhabit our coastal waters, each identified by unique natural markings. These whales live in at least four communities: northern resident, southern resident, transient and offshore.

Northern resident killer whales frequent the Johnstone Strait area off northern Vancouver Island, primarily during the summer and fall. This community consists of more than 200 whales in 16 pods, each typically composed of 5-20 individuals. About 78 orcas in 3 pods form the southern resident commu...