Orca Whales:

The killer whale, (Orcinus orca), is the largest member of the group of marine mammals known as dolphins (family Delphinidae). They are called killer whales because they attack and consume whales or other large prey such as seals and sea lions.

Adults may weigh as much as 10 tons. Killer whales are predominantly black in color with large white patches under the jaw and above and behind each eye. Much of the ventral surface of killer whales is also white and there are large white patches which extend from the ventral area onto the flanks. A gray or white saddle area is often found behind the dorsal fin. This area is highly variable and is one of the characteristics used to identify individual whales. The very tall dorsal fin is characteristic of this species. The dorsal fin of the male may reach 6 feet in height. Dorsal fins in females usually do not exceed 3 feet in height.

Killer whales in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska occur in groups of animals called pods. Most pods in Alaska number fewer than 40 animals. The individuals which comprise each pod change very little.Some pods are seen throughout much of the year in certain areas and are termed “resident” pods. Other pods appear to move over broad areas and are termed “transient” pods. Killer whales are quite vocal, and each pod appears to have its own unique, recognizable type of calls which do not change over periods as long as 25 years.

Little is known about the diving behavior of killer whales. Typical dive times last 3 to 5 minutes although this is highly variable, depending on the type of activity in which the animal is engaged.

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Humpback Whale:

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