Killer Whale
Orcinus Orca

Where do killer whales live?
Killer whales are found worldwide in all oceans, but are most common in mid to high latitude areas with high ocean productivity. Three distinct forms, or ecotypes, of killer whale inhabit Alaskan waters. These forms occur in similar areas but are socially isolated and differ in their dietary preferences, genetics, morphology, and behavior. “Resident “ killer whales travel in acoustically active groups averaging 10 to 25 whales. “Transients” travel in small, acoustically quiet groups that rely on stealth to find their prey. “Offshores” are not as well understood, but they travel in large acoustically active groups of 30 or more whales.

What do killer whales eat?

“Resident” killer whales feed exclusively on fish and cephalopods. “Transients” feed on marine mammals, and “offshores” are thought to feed on fish.

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