The following information is about killer whales Orcinus orca . It is intended only to cover those aspects of the animals' biology not covered clearly in the published literature or for which there is conflicting information. It is based on the latest research conducted by Dr. John Ford of the Vancouver Aquarium, and other cetacean biologists working on the coast of B.C., as well as on the best data available from other areas. Some interesting facts about killer whales. Each population differs in behaviour, social organization and appearance of dorsal fins.
Resident pods specialize in hunting fishes, primarily salmon, at least during the summer and fall.
Their diet at other times of the year is unknown. The residents' social organization is based on small matrilineal groups, which usually comprise three to four individuals. Transients are opportunists, preying on harbour seals, sea lions, elephant seals, whales, porpoises and sea birds. Unlike residents, young transients may leave their mothers' group while still young. Offshore killer whales are poorly known, but tend to travel in groups of 30 to 60 individuals, probably preying on schooling fishes.