The Ecology of Bigg's Killer Whales

In the eastern North Pacific three ecotypes of killer whale have been identified: resident, transient, and offshore. Transient killer whales, also known as Bigg’s killer whales, are apex predators that specialize in foraging for marine mammals. This specialization shapes all aspects of their ecology, from foraging, acoustics, social structure, and genetics! Transient killer whales are distributed from Southern California to the Bering Sea, with many sub-populations being socially and geographically
distinct.

In recent years with changes in ocean ecosystems, there has been an increased interest in understanding how transient killer whales affect prey both directly and indirectly.

Join Josh McInnes as he outlines the natural history and ecology of transient killer whales in the eastern North Pacific.