The Northern Resident Killer Whales – A Fishing Eating Community of Orcas on Vancouver Island, BC
Northern Resident Killer Whales on Vancouver Island primarily feed on Chinook salmon. They prefer this type of salmon due to its high fat content, which provides them with the necessary energy for their long migrations and challenging environment. Unlike other killer whale species that consume mammals, such as seals and sea lions, Northern Resident Killer Whales have evolved to specialize in hunting fish like salmon. This specialized diet is believed to be a result of the abundance of salmon in their habitat and the unique ecological niche they have carved out in the region over many decades.
So if you see our videos with our Northern Resident Killer Whales close to shore, they are not looking for food. They are simply rubbing their bellies, socializing with their pod members, resting and bonding with their family members. Shallow waters mean, break time for these amazing creatures, unlike off-shore killer whales who are hunting close to shore to get to the next seal, or sea lion.
