Species: Orca (Orcinus orca)

Information About

Orca

Quick Facts
Latin

Orcinus orca

Iñupiaq

aabluq, aablu

Yup'ik

arrluk

Tlingit

kéet

Subspecies

Viewing Scale

Chances of seeing Orca in Alaska

Orca in Detail.
About

Orcas or killer whales are easily identified by their black and white pattern. They are primarily black with white spots near their eyes, white lower jaw and bellies, with white under their tails.

Orcas can grow up to 32 feet long and weigh as much as six tons. They usually live in family groups known as pods.

Diet

Moose, Steller Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, Bearded Seal, Harbour Porpoise, Dall's Porpoise, North American River Otter, Sea Otters, Pacific Halibut, Pacific Cod, Chinook Salmon, Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Pacific Herring

Orcas may feed on prey as large as moose or smaller whales, but they do not make a regular part of their diet. Along with species listed orcas feed on squid, and seabirds.

Habitat of Orca in Alaska

Gallery

Pictures of Orca.