All oceans of the world, particularly in the polar regions from surf zones to open ocean. Unlike many species of whales, Killer whales have no regular long migration. Current estimate more than 80,000 killer whales live in waters off Antarctica during the late summer. Killer whales hunt in packs like wolves. Many pods have spent decades mastering their technique, honing the cooperative skills necessary to bring down large prey, such as other whales much larger than themselves.
Scientists currently recognize two distinct types of killer whales.
A rather docile type, typically found nearshore, preys mainly on fish and tends to be relatively easy to follow and study. Another, wilder type is usually found farther offshore, and relatively little is known about it, except that it preys primarily on marine mammals. The groups in which killer whales usually live are called pods. Members of pods usually stay together for life. Closely related pods often join together temporarily to form clans.