Killer Whales – Southern Resident Population

The San Juan Islands in the Salish Sea are home to one of nature’s most spectacular creatures, the Killer Whale. There are two different types of Killer Whales—transients and residents. The residents that inhabit these waters are known as the Southern Resident Killer Whales, and are made of three family groups or pods. These family groups have been given letter designations as a way to track and research them more easily, and those family letter designations are J, K, and L.

The Southern Resident Killer Whale Population spends time in the Puget Sound Region primarily in the summer months, which coincides with the highest number of multiple species of salmon, their primary prey. Salmon have historically gathered in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands as they prepare to make their way up the freshwater rivers on the surrounding mainland.

The Southern Resident Killer Whale Population consists of 80-90 individuals, who travel up to 100 miles or more per day in search of their prey. In the winter months, this search for prey takes them as far south as the California coast, and as far north as southeast Alaska. Throughout the years these incredible whales have faced many different challenges—from live capture for aquariums, to the continuous decline in their prey, to increased toxin levels in the water.

Despite their sometimes tenuous relationship with humans, these magnificent and intelligent creatures seem to seek interaction with humans when there is opportunity, and continue to use the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands as their summer home.

For more information on whale and wildlife sightings, please visit our blog, or make a reservation for a whale watching tour.