There are four communities of orcas in BC: Northern Residents, Southern Residents, Transients, and Offshores. This is an introduction to the Northern Residents, the most well-known orcas in BC.

Northern Residents, or NRs, are what are known as resident orcas. Residents live in very tight social groups known as matrilines, usually consisting of 2-7 individuals. The matrilines almost always contain and mother and her offspring, and their offspring. The mother is in charge. Matrilines are sorted into pods, the other matrilines that they spend most of their time with and seem to be distantly related to. Pods grouped together form clans, which are basically based on acoustic (voice) relations. Finally there are communities, which are pretty much for human benefit in sorting orcas.

Residents are not the famous killers they're made out to be. They eat mostly fish and sometimes the odd squid. Their favourite food is definitely salmon, especially king salmon, or chinook.

Residents are very vocal creatures. Each matriline has its own distinct dialect, which experts use to identify them. There are resting calls, social calls, and hunting calls. They make A LOT of noise.

Northern Residents are the most studied orcas in the world. They were exploited for captivity, were the basis of the first whale-watching company, and have delighted people for decades. Some of these whales have become as close as any human friends, with their own personalities and of course, fins.

Orcas are identified with a high-definition, black-and-white photograph of their dorsal fin (the one on their back), and the saddle patch behind it. Each fin/saddle patch is unique to the whale. Some are easy to identify, with obvious injuries, while some all look the same. At about the age of 11-14, male orcas begin to 'spout', when their fins grow at an amazing pace. Often this is when we can determine if they are male or female. Male fins are very tall and straight, while females' are short and more curved.

These are links to pages about each family of NRs. Hope you enjoy!