Killer Whales (Orcas)
Orcinus orca • Northern Residents • Transients (Bigg’s)
Telegraph Cove is perhaps most famous for its proximity to the core habitat of the Northern Resident Killer Whale population, especially during the summer salmon runs. Two distinct ecotypes frequent these waters: Residents and Transients (Bigg’s), which are genetically distinct and do not intermingle.
Ecotypes and Diet
Northern Residents
Feed primarily on fish, with a strong preference for Chinook salmon. They are most commonly seen from July to September when salmon are running. The Northern Resident population consists of over 300 individuals, divided into three main clans (A, G, and R).
Transients (Bigg’s)
Specialize in hunting marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises. They travel in smaller groups and are less vocal when hunting to avoid alerting their prey.
Social Structure
Resident orcas have highly complex, matrilineal societies. Pods are led by the eldest female (the matriarch), and individuals remain with their natal pod for their entire lives.
This creates one of the most stable family bonds in the animal kingdom. Multiple pods that share similar dialects form clans, and clans that frequently interact form communities.
Male orcas can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) and weigh up to 6 tonnes, while females typically reach 7 meters (23 feet) and weigh up to 4 tonnes.
Communication and Dialects
Orcas use echolocation (clicks) to navigate and hunt in murky waters or darkness. These clicks bounce off objects and return to the whale, creating a detailed acoustic picture of their environment.
They have a sophisticated repertoire of whistles and pulsed calls for communication. Each pod possesses a unique dialect, allowing researchers to identify family groups by sound alone.
These dialects are learned behaviors, passed down from mothers to calves. Over time, dialects can evolve and change, similar to human languages.
The complexity of their communication suggests high intelligence and strong social bonds. Some calls are used for coordination during hunting, while others maintain contact over long distances.
The Rubbing Beaches of Robson Bight
A unique cultural behavior of the Northern Residents is visiting the shallow, smooth-pebble beaches within the nearby Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. This protected area is located just south of Telegraph Cove.
Here, orcas engage in a remarkable behavior where they rub their bodies against the smooth stones in shallow water. This tradition is thought to be important for social bonding, hygiene, and possibly for the pleasurable sensation it provides.
The behavior is culturally transmitted - young calves learn it from their mothers and other pod members. Not all orca populations exhibit this behavior, making it a unique cultural tradition of the Northern Residents.
The Robson Bight reserve is strictly protected, and boats are prohibited from entering to ensure the orcas can engage in this behavior undisturbed.
Fascinating Facts
Orcas are actually the largest members of the dolphin family, not whales.
They have the second-largest brain of any marine mammal, weighing up to 6.8 kg.
Orcas can swim at speeds up to 56 km/h (35 mph), making them one of the fastest marine mammals.
Female orcas can live up to 90 years, while males typically live 50-60 years.
Each orca’s dorsal fin and saddle patch are unique, like human fingerprints.
Orcas are found in every ocean but are most abundant in colder waters.
Conservation & Viewing Guidelines
The Southern Resident Killer Whale population (which occasionally visits these waters) is listed as endangered, with only about 75 individuals remaining. Northern Residents are listed as threatened.
When viewing orcas:
- •Maintain at least 200 meters distance (400 meters for Southern Residents)
- •Turn off fish finders and echo sounders
- •Reduce speed to less than 7 knots within 1 km
- •Never feed or swim with wild orcas
Best Viewing Times
July through September
Peak activity coincides with salmon runs. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best viewing conditions.