Killer whales are toothed whales that have one of the most versatile diets of all cetaceans. However, Killer whales do not harm people in the wild. Other names include Orca and Great Killer Whale.

Brief Description:

• Color: Widely recongnized around the world for its black and white color variation. Black tops with a white bottom and a very distinctive and conspicuous white patch behind each eye.

• Dorsal: Very distinctive dorsal fin. In older males, fins can reach up to 6 feet in height. Some older males have a wavy dorsal fin.

• Body: Adults can reach up to 32 feet and weigh 9 tons. Birth weight can reach almost 400 lb.

• Migration: There are no regular long migrations; however, some ice cover in the higher latitudes may determine which direction they go.

• Habitat: All oceans of the world and particularly in the Polar regions. Killer whales can mostly be seen within 500 miles of the shoreline. Prefer deep waters, but are also seen in shallow bays, inland seas, and estuaries.

Feeding, behavior and interesting facts:

They have been known to eat squid, fish, birds, sea turtles, seals, dolphins and are known to even attack large animals like blue whales.

Breaching is common for both the males and the females. The process is a beautiful leap out of the water and a dramatic entry that can be heard far away.

Killer whales can travel up to 34 mph and are very inquisitive animals. There are two distinct forms of Killer Whales based on behavior and grouping. Transients form smaller pods (1 to 7), while residents form larger pods (5 to 25) and have smaller home ranges.